Our Mission

To ignite a passion for raptors and a responsibility for our shared natural world.

Our Vision

The Carolina Raptor Center fosters communities where raptors and people thrive thanks to our unique blend of innovation, research, and education.

We are a world class destination for avian rehabilitation and our dedication to the birds in our care provides visitors a gateway to the natural world.

Our Values

Excellence

Strive for trusted leadership in the field of raptor rehabilitation, exceptional welfare for our resident birds, and transformational experiences for every person we meet.

Sustainability

Employ operational practices that benefit the environment and guarantee the organizational strength to serve the resident birds and our communities for generations to come.

Empowerment

Create effective educational experiences that embolden our visitors and our diverse communities to take action in positively impacting our world.

What We Do

The Raptor Trail is a three-quarter mile walking trail and zoological facility that permanently houses and displays more than thirty birds of prey. The birds act as ambassadors for their species and serve an important role in connecting people with wildlife in a safe and respectful manner. Guests can enjoy learning about birds of prey from across the globe during their walk on the Raptor Trail.​
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In addition to the Raptor Trail, the Carolina Raptor Center has a medical facility for injured raptors. Our experienced medical staff evaluates and treats between 800-1000 raptors every year.

Our Work

The Raptor Trail is a three-quarter mile walking trail and zoological facility that permanently houses and displays more than thirty birds of prey. The birds act as ambassadors for their species and serve an important role in connecting people with wildlife in a safe and respectful manner. Guests can enjoy learning about birds of prey from across the globe during their walk on the Raptor Trail.​
 ​
In addition to the Raptor Trail, the Carolina Raptor Center has a medical facility for injured raptors. Our experienced medical staff evaluates and treats between 800-1000 raptors every year. Like all medical facilities, our hospital maintains a safe and hygienic space for patients to heal. To ensure that our patients receive the highest quality of care, we try to minimize disturbances and cannot allow the general public access to the hospital. Please reach out to the Carolina Raptor Center if you have concerns about an injured or sick raptor in your neighborhood. The medical facility can accept new raptor patients between 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily. Please call 704-875-6521 x 125 before bringing raptors to the medical facility.

The Raptor Trail

This Raptor Trail is a zoo highlighting birds of prey. Our avian ambassadors inspire the public to be stewards of the natural world.

  • 3/4 mile trail in Latta Nature Preserve.
  • Home to more than 30 birds from all over the world.

The Raptor Hospital

The Raptor Hospital provides medical care for sick, injured, or orphaned raptor patients. Every patient is treated with the goal of successful return to the wild.
  • Treats 800 to 1000 patients each year.
  • More than 26,000 patients treated.

Raptor Trail Facts

  • CRC has been working to support conservation in the Charlotte region since 1981.
  • Over 30,000 people visit the Raptor Trail annually to learn from avian ambassadors, including more than 10,000 students!
  • Over twenty birds live in enclosures along the Raptor Trail.
  • Carolina Raptor Center employs experts to care for resident birds.

Raptor Rescue Facts

  • The medical facility has admitted over 25,000 patients.
  • Up to 60% of the raptors admitted to the medical facility are released back into the wild.
  • Two of the most common species admitted into the medical facility are Red-Shouldered Hawks and Barred Owls.
  • Car collisions are one of the most common reasons raptors are admitted to the medial facility.

MAKE AN IMPACT, SERVE ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS!

Our Board of Directors attracts community leaders with a passion for the environment and expertise in a wide range of areas. Many of them represent companies that support the Raptor Center with sponsorships and service. Others are community volunteers that choose to serve the organization in this way. The Board meets every other month – and at least once a year on site at the Raptor Center at Quest. These dedicated volunteers take care of the strategic and financial health of the organization on an ongoing basis.  
MEET THE BOARD
SERVE ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS!
MEET THE BOARD

Serve on the Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors attracts community leaders with a passion for the environment and expertise in a wide range of areas. Many of them represent companies that support the Raptor Center with sponsorships and service. Others are community volunteers that choose to serve the organization in this way. The Board meets every other month – and at least once a year on site at the Raptor Center at Quest. These dedicated volunteers take care of the strategic and financial health of the organization on an ongoing basis.  

WORK AT CRC
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