Winter 2008 - University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine

The Raptor Center The Raptor Center The Raptor CenterThe Raptor Center committed tothe eagle’s continued successIn June 2007, the U.S. Fish andWildlife Service removed the baldeagle from the endangered specieslist. The bald eagle continues tobe protected by federal law, and thepublic continues to have a critical rolein keeping the population healthy bymaintaining habitats and protecting thewater and environment from contaminantssuch as lead and mercury.The College's Raptor Center has madesignificant contributions to the preservationof the bald eagle. It has playeda key role in restoration programs,investigated the effects of lead poisoning,studied the incidence of chemicalcontamination in nestling eagles, andcontributed to habitat preservation.The Raptor Center has treated morethan 1,600 eagles during its 30-yearhistory, and its work has been criticalin providing disease surveillancein the raptor population. Each year,more than 250,000 people are educatedabout how their decisions affect raptorhealth and well-being through overdevelopmentof land, use of lead in fishingand hunting activities, and contaminationthrough misuse of chemicals.The bald eagle is one of The RaptorCenter’s most common patients, saysJuli Ponder, executive director of TheRaptor Center. “Our current focus is toensure the ongoing safety and health ofthis bird. We will make every effort toensure that bald eagles continue to thriveand have a healthy environment in whichto live.”The Raptor Center specializes in thecare, rehabilitation, and conservation ofeagles, hawks, owls, and falcons, operatingmostly with private funds andThe bald eagle was removed from the endangered species list in June. The Raptor Center is committedto the eagle’s continued success.through the efforts of more than 200volunteers. Established in 1974, TheRaptor Center treats approximately 800birds a year and reaches thousands ofpeople through public education andevents. It provides training in surgeryand avian medicine to veterinarians andidentifies emerging issues related to raptorhealth and populations.“The Raptor Center has done a remarkablejob of educating and training professionalsfrom around the world in raptormedicine and surgery,” says TrevorAmes, interim dean of the College ofVeterinary Medicine. “Through its work,The Raptor Center has enhanced thehealth of raptors and the bond betweenraptors and humans.”Pat Redig, cofounder of The RaptorCenter, led the University’s efforts torestore the bald eagle. “I feel that wehave certainly accomplished our objective,and we are pleased that the baldeagle has been taken off the endangeredspecies list. Our promise is to continueto protect and preserve the eagle in everyway we can.”16