The Raptor Center is a teaching hospital for hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls

The Raptor Center, located at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul, treats injured, orphaned, and sick birds of prey. It is one of the largest raptor rehabilitation facilities in the United States and operates as both a clinical hospital and a research and education program. The center takes in roughly 600 to 700 raptors each year, ranging from small kestrels to bald eagles.

The center does not charge admission to visit, though it does accept donations. It operates year-round and treats birds from Minnesota and surrounding states. If you find an injured raptor, you do not bring it directly to The Raptor Center — instead, you contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area, who coordinates with the center or other facilities based on the bird's condition and location.

Key Takeaways

  • The Raptor Center treats roughly 600 to 700 raptors annually, including eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls that are injured, orphaned, or sick.
  • If you find an injured raptor, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your state rather than bringing the bird directly to the center.
  • The center is located at the University of Minnesota and operates as a teaching hospital, meaning veterinary students and researchers work alongside staff clinicians.
  • Most raptors treated at the center are released back to the wild once they recover, though some become permanent residents if they cannot survive independently.
  • You can visit the center during public hours, and it offers educational programs about raptor biology and conservation.

What kinds of injuries and conditions the center treats

The most common injuries The Raptor Center sees are collisions with vehicles, power lines, and buildings. Raptors also arrive with gunshot wounds, poisoning from lead ammunition in carrion, and infections from parasites or bacteria. Orphaned nestlings and fledglings make up a significant portion of admissions, particularly in spring and early summer when young birds are learning to hunt and fly.

The center's veterinarians perform surgery, set fractures, treat infections with antibiotics, and manage pain during recovery. Birds stay in specialized enclosures designed to minimize stress and allow them to regain strength. Flight cages let recovering raptors exercise their wings before release. The center also runs a raptor breeding program for species of conservation concern, though this is separate from the rehabilitation work.

How the center decides whether a bird will be released or kept

The goal of every rehabilitation facility is to return birds to the wild. The Raptor Center releases approximately 80 percent of the raptors it treats. Before release, staff assess whether the bird can hunt, fly, and navigate its environment well enough to survive on its own. A bird that cannot meet these standards — for example, one that has lost an eye or has permanent nerve damage — may become a permanent resident.

Permanent residents at the center are used for education and research. They live in large flight enclosures and participate in public programs where visitors learn about raptor behavior and ecology. These birds receive the same veterinary care and enrichment as birds in active rehabilitation, but they remain at the facility rather than being released.

The role of veterinary students and research at the center

The Raptor Center is affiliated with the University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary students rotate through the center as part of their clinical training, working under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. This means every bird treated there receives care from both experienced staff and students learning to diagnose and treat wildlife injuries.

The center also conducts research on raptor health, disease, and rehabilitation outcomes. Studies have examined lead poisoning in eagles, the effects of window collisions on survival, and the best practices for releasing rehabilitated birds. This research informs how other rehabilitation centers across the country treat raptors and helps identify threats to wild populations.

Visiting The Raptor Center and its education programs

The Raptor Center is open to the public during set hours, and admission is free. Visitors can observe raptors in outdoor flight enclosures and learn about their biology, behavior, and conservation. The center offers guided tours, school programs, and special events throughout the year. Educational programs cover topics like how raptors hunt, why they are important to ecosystems, and what threats they face in the wild.

The center also hosts a live raptor program where trained birds demonstrate hunting techniques and flight abilities. These birds are permanent residents that cannot be released, so the program gives them a role in teaching the public about raptor conservation. Many visitors come away understanding why protecting raptors and their habitats matters for the health of local ecosystems.

How to report an injured raptor in your area

If you find an injured, orphaned, or sick raptor, do not attempt to capture or handle it yourself. Raptors have sharp talons and beaks and can cause serious injury if they feel threatened. Instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your state. You can find one through your state's Department of Natural Resources, a local animal control office, or an online directory of wildlife rehabilitators.

The rehabilitator will assess the bird's condition and decide whether it needs when ready transport to a facility. If the bird is in Minnesota or nearby states, the rehabilitator may coordinate with The Raptor Center. If the bird is in another state, the rehabilitator will work with a facility closer to where the bird was found. Providing the rehabilitator with details about where you found the bird and what you observed helps them prioritize care.

What happens to raptors after they are released

Once a raptor is cleared for release, staff choose a location that matches the bird's species and behavior. A red-tailed hawk might be released in open grassland where it can hunt rodents. A great horned owl might be released in a wooded area. The center tracks some released birds using leg bands or radio transmitters, which allows researchers to learn where birds go and how long they survive after rehabilitation.

Not every released bird can be tracked, so the center does not have complete data on long-term survival rates. However, studies from other rehabilitation centers suggest that 50 to 70 percent of released raptors survive their first year in the wild. This varies by species, age, and the severity of the original injury. Birds that were treated for minor injuries tend to have higher survival rates than those recovering from serious trauma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring an injured raptor directly to The Raptor Center?

No. You should contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your state first. The rehabilitator will assess the bird and coordinate transport if needed. Bringing a bird directly to the center without going through a rehabilitator can delay care and may violate state wildlife laws.

Does The Raptor Center take raptors from outside Minnesota?

The center primarily serves Minnesota and surrounding states. If you find an injured raptor outside this region, contact a wildlife rehabilitator near where the bird was found. They will work with a facility in that area.

What should I do if a raptor is hit by a car near me?

Call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator when ready. If the bird is in when ready danger from traffic, you can place a box or blanket over it to keep it calm and contained, but do not handle it with bare hands. The rehabilitator will provide specific instructions on how to safely contain and transport the bird.

Are raptors at The Raptor Center dangerous to visit?

No. Raptors in the center's flight enclosures are accustomed to human presence and are not aggressive toward visitors. The center maintains safe viewing distances and provides education about how to observe raptors respectfully.

How much does it cost to visit The Raptor Center?

Admission is free. The center accepts donations to support its rehabilitation, research, and education programs. You can donate online or in person during your visit.