Carolina Raptor Center treats approximately 700 hawks, falcons, eagles, and owls each year. Roughly 60 percent of the birds treated in any one year can be released back to the wild. That's where you come in.

Help These Birds Soar

There are few things more inspiring than watching a red-tailed hawk circle over an open field or hearing a wild owl hooting at dusk. Every year Carolina Raptor Center volunteers rescue hundreds of injured and orphaned raptors. These birds are then treated and cared for by our wildlife rehabilitation team until they heal. The final step in their journey is the return to the wild-you can be a part of this magical story by releasing one of these majestic creatures!

Different Birds, Different Needs

People often ask what the most common injury is or what the average stay is for a bird being treated at Carolina Raptor Center. These are tough questions to answer with any certainty. But one thing is certain: the staff or volunteers who bring the bird to the release site will explain to you what happened to "your" bird and why it was being treated at Carolina Raptor Center. We'll tell you about the injury or illness, teach you how to hold the bird safely as you launch it into the air, let you talk about why you have chosen to release a bird, and then cheer you on as you send your bird back home.

Release-a-Raptor Program

Releasing a wild bird is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is the joy of knowing that it will fly free once again. The minimum contribution for releasing an owl, hawk, falcon or vulture is $500. The minimum contribution for releasing a bald or golden eagle is $1000.

Please keep in mind that birds become available for release as they finish recovering in our Rehabilitation Center. There are no guarantees that a particular species of bird will be available on any one particular day. If you have a definite date in mind, it is best to remain flexible on the species, and allow us to choose a recovered raptor suitable for your location. If you are flexible on the date, we can accommodate special requests for certain species, and notify you as one becomes available. Release sites must be within 150 miles of Charlotte, NC.

As a Release-A-Raptor participant, you will receive:

• »An Adoptive Bird. Carolina Raptor Center has many resident birds that have been injured and are unable to be released. These birds serve as ambassadors for their species, and some travel to schools as part of our Wild Wings Program. You will receive an Adoptive Bird that is the same species as the raptor you are releasing.
• »10 free passes for you to share with your guests.

Do I get to touch the bird being released?

The wild bird will be brought to your location by one of our educators or trained volunteers. They will remove the bird from its box, and hand it to the person who will then release it. Both people will wear gloves. The bird will not be touched in any other way other than to "launch" it into the air.

What will my guests see?

Your guests will be able to stand about 10 feet from the release, and can watch the wild bird soar into the sky. Guests contributing more than $35 receive a membership at Carolina Raptor Center.

What happens to the bird after it is released?

It depends entirely on the location. Our wildlife rehabilitation team will discuss the setting and landscape, and make a decision on what raptors might be suitable for that particular habitat. Keep in mind that most urban or suburban settings are not appropriate for wild raptors.

Can I release a bird at my house?

It depends entirely on the location. Our wildlife rehabilitation team will discuss the setting and landscape, and make a decision on what raptors might be suitable for that particular habitat. Keep in mind that most urban or suburban settings are not appropriate for wild raptors.

How else can I help?

There are many ways to support and get involved at Carolina Raptor Center. From volunteering in our rescue department to hosting a Raptor Party for your friends, if you have enthusiasm for the environment we'd love for you to join our flock! Visit our support page for more details.

To learn more about adopting and releasing a raptor, contact:

Jim Warren
Chief Operating Officer
Carolina Raptor Center
704-875-6521 ext. 112
email: jimwarren@carolinaraptorcenter.org