Raptor Center

Rescue. Rehabilitate. Educate. Inspire.

Since 1981, the NWDC Raptor Center has been Southern Colorado’s only raptor rehabilitation facility, dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of birds of prey. Located at our River Campus in Pueblo, we provide expert care to more than 250 injured, ill, and orphaned raptors each year, giving them the best chance to return to the wild.


For a few special raptors that cannot be released due to permanent injuries, we offer a lifelong home where they serve as Education Ambassadors, inspiring people to protect wildlife. Some non-releasable birds also become Foster Parents, helping to raise and nurture young raptors until they are strong enough for release.

Rescue & Rehabilitation

Our skilled and compassionate team provides expert medical care and rehabilitation to more than 250 injured, ill, and orphaned raptors each year. Our goal is always to release healthy individuals back into their natural habitat, giving them a second chance at life.


When a bird comes into our care, we provide:

  • Comprehensive medical treatment for injuries and illnesses.
  • Specialized diets and housing tailored to each species.
  • Flight training and pre-release evaluations to ensure raptors are fully prepared to survive in the wild.

Our team works tirelessly to give each bird the best possible chance of recovery and release.


Did You Find an Injured Raptor?


The NWDC Raptor Center is open 7 days a week to assist with injured, ill, or orphaned birds of prey.

  • Location: 4828 Nature Center Road, Pueblo, CO 81003
  • Rescue Hotline: (719) 485-4444 ext. 3001
  • Injured Bird Intake Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily

We accept eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, vultures, as well as crows and ravens. If you find other injured wildlife, we can help connect you with the appropriate rehabilitation center.

What to Do if You Find an Injured Raptor

Education & Visiting the Raptor Center


We believe that education is a powerful tool for conservation. Through interactive programs, guided tours, and outreach events, we connect thousands of people each year with these incredible birds. Whether visiting the center, attending a raptor presentation, or booking an outreach program, guests of all ages gain a deeper appreciation for raptors and their role in our ecosystems.


School & Group Programs: Hands-on learning experiences tailored for all ages.

Outreach Programs: Bring the raptors to your school, event, organization, meeting, or even wedding ceremony!


Tour the Center:

While we are not open for walk-in visits, we welcome you to come for a scheduled tour! See live raptors up close and learn all about their unique adaptations. You can also explore our work on a deeper level by scheduling a private tour.


Public Raptor Tours

Ambassador Birds

Not all raptors in our care can return to the wild. Some remain with us as Education Ambassadors, helping to educate the public about raptor conservation. These birds have permanent injuries that prevent them from surviving in the wild, but they serve a vital role in inspiring people to appreciate and protect raptors.


A good ambassador bird has a calm demeanor, adapts well to human interaction, and is comfortable in educational settings. They help us teach visitors about the challenges raptors face and the importance of conservation efforts. One of NWDC’s best-known Ambassador Birds is Lurch, a charismatic vulture who has been a staple of our programs for years. Download Lurch’s coloring page here.


Learn more about our individual Ambassador Birds, their unique stories, and their important roles in education. Better yet, come meet our resident hawks, owls, eagles, and vultures during an educational program or guided tour. 

Want to help care for these important members of our team? Consider adopting one through our Adopt-a-Raptor program, coming late April!

Our Feathered Friends

Learn more about our individual Ambassador Birds, their unique stories, and their important roles in education.

How Can I Help?

As always, every dollar counts!

Donate

Volunteer


Our Care Team volunteers are the lifeblood of our Raptor Center. These dedicated individuals put their energy into everything, from cleaning enclosures, to caring for patients, to giving raptor talks, and so much more! We’re always excited to welcome new hands and energy to the team. If you’d like to volunteer too, please email raptors@hikeandlearn.org.


Shop Our Wishlist


We also have an Amazon Wishlist you can shop to your heart's content. Vitamins, de-oderizer, and vet wrap, oh my!

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