Dedication of AU raptor center expansion held May 3, 2002

“The Lasters are helping us create an educational showpiece for Auburn University and the nation,” said Dean Timothy Boosinger. “This is another step in the plans for an entire complex.”

Started in 1972, the center has become a full-service medical and surgical raptor rehabilitation facility that specializes in raptors, or birds of prey, such as eagles, falcons, hawks and owls. It treats about 500 birds of prey annually from an average of 21 species.

Laster, a retired Mountain Brook junior high science teacher and counselor, in 1999 donated $500,000 to the AU raptor center and $500,000 to the baseball program and marching band. She attended Auburn and played in the band, and her husband, Dr. Russell Laster, is a 1951 graduate of the veterinary college.

She selected the university for the financial gift after the death of her uncle, who left his estate to her care.

“It took a while to realize how much money there actually was,” she said. “In discussing it, we wanted to give some of it to the vet school. When I found out the raptor center was in need, I though this would be good.”

New facilities made possible by the gift include five large flight cages for aerobic conditioning of releasable raptors, housing for raptors used in conservation education, and support areas for staff and volunteers.

Its most famous resident, War Eagle VI, brought international attention to the university in February when she flew during the 2002 Winter Olympic Games opening ceremony.

Joe Shelnutt has been director of the raptor center since 1996.