Our Raptor Trail is a zoo featuring more than 30 avian ambassadors representing species from around the world. After paying admission, you can walk our scenic 3/4  mile trail and safely enjoy the sights of our ambassadors at home in their enclosures while learning what makes their species unique.

On Wednesdays through Sundays, we offer a variety of programs that are included in admission.

The Raptor Trail is self-guided, and we do not offer guided tours.

Yes, strollers are allowed on the Raptor Trail. Please note that our trail has uneven terrain and bumps that can be challenging to navigate with a stroller. We recommend bringing a stroller with larger wheels, if possible.

Please follow posted signage and staff instructions to safely park your stroller during onsite programs.

We have limited snacks and drinks available for sale in the Visitor Center. Guests are welcome to bring in their own food and drinks to enjoy at our picnic area.

For the safety of our birds, please do not bring food or open drinks to programs or throw food into enclosures.

Absolutely! Guests are welcome to bring in their own food and drinks to enjoy at our picnic area. If you need to leave the facility to grab anything from your vehicle, please let our Visitor Center staff know.

For the safety of our birds, please do not bring food or open drinks to programs or throw food into enclosures.

The picnic tables in our parking lot and inside our Raptor Trail are free to use and do not require a reservation.

If you are interested in hosting a birthday party at the Carolina Raptor Center, find more details on our Bird-Day Party page.

You can reserve picnic shelters throughout Latta Nature Preserve. Call (980) 314-7878 or go to Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation to reserve your spot.

All of the birds on the Raptor Trail are permanent residents and would not be released for their own safety.

All of our avian ambassadors native to the U.S. were admitted to our Raptor Hospital or another licensed rehabilitation facility and were deemed non-releaseable. These birds had the qualities we look for to successfully fill the job of an avian ambassador.

Avian ambassadors native to countries outside the U.S. were hatched and reared in licensed facilities within the U.S. for the purpose of global conservation. These birds are reliant on humans and did not learn the skills needed to survive in the wild.

As a birds-first facility, the welfare of our avian ambassadors is our top priority. All of our birds receive top-notch care to ensure they can fulfill their important jobs as ambassadors for their species.

Service animals are allowed on the Raptor Trail but cannot attend programs where birds will be freely flying. This is to ensure the safety of the animal, the visitors, the birds and the staff. Service animals must be kept on a leash or in direct control of their human at all times.

Birds see dogs as predators and can become agitated or frightened by them. Please move on to the next enclosure if you notice this occurring.

Therapy and comfort animals are not allowed on the Raptor Trail.

The Raptor Trail is not ADA accessible. Our 3/4 mile trail winds through the woods of Latta Nature Preserve and includes uneven terrain, sloped paths, tripping hazards, and steps. There are benches throughout the trail for guests who wish to rest.

Wheelchairs are allowed on the Raptor Trail, but we recommend carefully considering whether the wheelchair user will be able to navigate the trail. It is not uncommon for a wheelchair user to have to leave their chair to navigate larger bumps on the Raptor Trail. Manual wheelchairs have an easier time navigating the trail than electric wheelchairs.