THE RAPTOR CENTER WAS HATCHED AT UNC-CHARLOTTE IN 1975

THE RAPTOR CENTER WAS HATCHED AT UNC-CHARLOTTE IN 1975

When the first raptor – a broad-winged hawk – was brought to UNC-Charlotte ornithologist Richard Brown in 1975, the Raptor Center was born. In 1979, enter student Deb Sue Griffin, who cared for her first bird as part of her biology studies. Six birds were admitted that year into a makeshift clinic in the basement of UNCC’s Biology Building.

HISTORICAL MILESTONES 

  • 1975

    First bird admitted – a Broad-winged Hawk

  • 1981

    Co-founded by Dr. Richard Brown and Deb Sue Griffin

  • 1981

    Incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization Carolina Raptor Rehabilitation and Research Center”

  • 1984

    Moved to Latta Nature Preserve in 1984

  • 1985

    First Eagle Scout project completed by Greg McGwier

  • 1986

    A grant from Mecklenburg County allows CRC to hire its first three staffers

  • 1987

    Osprey hacking project ends: a total of nine young birds are released at two sites over three years

  • 2008

    First Staff Vet hired – Dave Scott, DVM

  • 2014

    Celebrated 30 years in Latta Nature Preserve

  • 2015

    CRC Hosts International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators

FACILITY MILESTONES

  • 1984

    First display enclosures constructed for Santigi and Sigmund, Red-tailed Hawks, and Campbell, an imprinted vulture

  • 1991

    Amphitheater completed (Eagle Scout Project)

  • 1992

    Edna Moretti Environmental Education Building dedicated

  • 1996

    Betty J. & J. Stanley Livingston Eagle Aviary dedicated

  • 1997

    Jim Arthur Rehabilitation Facility dedicated

  • 2010

    Raptors of the Silver Screen Exhibit opened

  • 2012

    Owl Forest supported through a gift from Bruce and Nancy Roberts dedicated

  • 2013

    Weyerhaueser Flight Training facility (108’ long) completed

  • 2014

    Vulture Culture Exhibit Opens

  • 2018

    Broke ground on Quest

  • 2021

    Grand Opening of Quest Nature Cente

BIRDS ADMITTED MILESTONES

  • 1986

    Patient #1,000 admitted – an Eastern Screech Owl

  • 1995

    Patient #5,000 admitted – a Red-tailed Hawk

  • 2003

    Patient #10,000 admitted – an Eastern Screech Owl

  • 2011

    Patient #15,000 admitted – a baby Great Horned Owl

  • 2016

    Patient #20,000 admitted

  • 2022

    Patient #25,000 admitted

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

  • 1987-1989 – Richard Brown

  • 1989-1996 – PATRICIA MARCUM

  • 1996-1998 – BILL VEACH

  • 1999 – JIM MILES

  • 1999-2008 – ALAN BARNHARDT

  • 2008 -2011 – JOY BRAUNSTEIN

  • 2011-2022 – JIM WARREN

  • 2022 - PRESENT – Erin Katzner

INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

  • JIM ARTHUR

  • ROB BIERREGARD

  • JOHN NORRIS

  • DAVID MIDDLETON