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| - This place is so cool. I'm not even really into birds that much, but seeing these animals up close and learned about them is so indescribably cool.
I always feel a little torn about places like zoos. Most animals are pretty shy or they don't like humans (who can blame them, really, considering how awful we are to them), so for them to be on display and caged up has got to be horrible. I was so pleased to learn that the Raptor Center is actually a rescue center, rehab, and sanctuary for these birds. Injured raptors get fixed up and either get set free or they get to live out their days in safety and relative peace.
From what I can tell, they try to make the birds as comfortable as possible. They have dark hiding places for the nocturnal guys; lots of stuff to climb and sit on for the ones who like that; and the bald eagle sanctuary was spacious and had little ponds. It's not ideal, but as I understand it, these birds wouldn't be able to survive in the wild. This way they at least get to live.
Be prepared for this to be a really mild hike. Wear appropriate shoes for dirt paths and a teeny bit of rocky terrain. It's quite a long walk if you stop and look at all the birds, so be sure to bring some water especially if it's hot out.
Please also try and donate before you leave. I came in with very low expectations, but I ended up super impressed. These people are doing a beautiful thing and making their work accessible to the public. Please support their work and keep places like this going.
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