Causes: Animals, Arts & Culture, Bird Sanctuaries, Natural History & Natural Science Museums, Veterinary Services, Zoos & Aquariums

Mission: Carolina Raptor Center was founded in 1980 at UNC-Charlotte's biology department. The organization has grown from treating a single injured owl to treating over 1,000 injured owls, eagles, hawks, falcons, and vultures each year. In 2012, almost 70% of the birds living through the first 24 hours were returned to the wild. An equally important part of Carolina Raptor Center's outreach is environmental education. Classes can be arranged either on-site or at your location. Programming meets NC Public Education standards and is designed for grades K - 12.Carolina Raptor Center is open to the public seven days a week. Over twenty-five species of raptors live on the Raptor Trail. Visit the largest Eagle aviary in the Carolinas. Live bird presentations are scheduled on weekends. Visit Carolina Raptor Center's website for more information. www. carolinaraptorcenter. org.

Results: New in 2012 The Owl Forest: A Nature Notebook ExhibitLarge Bird Flight Cage for Flight TrainingTalons: Birds of the World Summer Flight ShowBird of the Week Blog and Awareness Campaign

Programs: Meet the Keeper, Behind the Scenes Tours, Flight Shows (summer months), Live Bird Presentations, Special Events