2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Auburn University’s Raptor Center and there is much to celebrate.
With a bold vision for the future focused on research collaborations, expanded outreach opportunities and plans to build a new home for its resident raptors, the center is poised to boost tourism and further elevate the Auburn brand, while bolstering its mission committed to raptor rehabilitation, education and conservation.
Five decades of steady growth, the rehabilitation and release of thousands of injured raptors, and a vibrant educational program promoting raptors to countless participants have made Auburn’s raptor center one of the most visible areas of both campus and its home unit, the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Beyond the critical work performed within the center’s walls, pregame stadium flights of the center’s resident eagles have raised awareness for raptors while building one of the most recognizable traditions in all of college sports.
And all of this is made possible through the efforts of a dedicated team, coupled with the support of generous donors.
As we embark on the journey that is our next 50 years, we will continue to grow our reputation as a national leader in raptor medicine and research, and as a One Health collaborator. We are poised to make the center one of the preeminent academic raptor centers in the nation and plans are underway to house it in an expanded world-class facility. This will allow us to better achieve our goals, increase our capacity and improve our standard of care, while offering visitors an outstanding experience that is uniquely Auburn.
Continue reading to learn more about the Auburn Raptor Center and how you can become part of its future.
Out of an abundance of caution due to confirmed HPAI (bird flu) cases in the state of Alabama and resultant directives by state officials, until further notice the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and Southeastern Raptor Center will not accept any sick or injured wild birds for treatment. Precautions are being taken to protect resident and patient raptors currently housed at the center, with educational programming and scheduled tours continuing as planned.
Please do not touch or attempt to move injured, deceased or sick wild birds and do not transport the animal for treatment. In the event you or someone you know locates a deceased, injured or sick wild bird of any species, contact the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division at (334) 242-3469 for additional information. It is very important that the wild bird not be removed from the location at which it is found to limit the potential spread of HPAI.
Additional information about HPAI in Alabama and the current national situation can be found on the ADCNR or CDC websites.
The Auburn University Raptor Center, a division of the College of Veterinary Medicine, is a rehabilitation and education facility providing critical education, rehabilitation and conservation efforts for raptors. Our mission is to provide the highest quality medical care and rehabilitation for wild raptors, support raptor conservation efforts, expand the public’s knowledge about raptors, inspire their passion for raptor ecosystems and embolden the Auburn spirit.
This mission is realized through collaborating with faculty and staff of the College of Veterinary Medicine; offering quality educational experiences using animal ambassadors; providing rehabilitation services to raptors in need and guidance to the public seeking assistance with injured or orphaned wildlife; providing hands-on experiences for veterinary and undergraduate students while maintaining the highest quality of care; and supporting raptor conservation by participating in relevant research initiatives.
The Raptor Center is only open to the public for scheduled presentations. Call the Education and Training department at (334) 844-6943 for pricing and additional information.
War Eagle Gameday Flight Tradition
Get Involved
The Auburn Raptor Center relies heavily on volunteers for much of our operations in both the education and rehabilitation units. There are a wide variety of opportunities for community members and college students to get involved, such as raptor husbandry (cleaning and feeding), educational programs, training birds of prey, avian medicine and data entry.
The education unit needs volunteers to help with carrying-out educational programming and training birds used in these programs. Education unit volunteers must be currently enrolled Auburn University students who can commit to working five times each week.
For those interested in avian medicine and rehabilitation, the rehab unit has openings for both Auburn University student and non-student volunteers. Volunteers must commit to at least one 2-hour shift each week for an entire semester.
Complete the application below if you are interested in becoming a Raptor Center volunteer.
Contact
Wade F. Stevens
Director, Auburn Raptor Center
wfs0015@auburn.edu
Auburn University Raptor Center
1350 Pratt-Carden Drive, Auburn, AL 36849
Education: (334) 844-6943
Rehabilitation: (334) 844-6347