The Raptor Center

Founded in 1981, the Raptor Center is a wildlife rehabilitation facility that has been saving magnificent birds of prey for over forty years. It is located in Pueblo at the Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center River Campus.

 Each year, more than 300 injured, ill, and orphaned birds of prey are admitted to the NWDC Raptor Center where our compassionate raptor care team provides these birds with the best care possible in hopes that they can soon be returned to the wild.

We have sixteen special birds who are permanent residents at the NWDC Raptor Center. These birds are a vital part of our staff and they assist with our educational efforts during our programs.

Flying Hawk
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Photos taken by Jerilee Bennett
Video by The Colorado Springs Gazette

NWDC Raptor Center
Featured in
The Gazette

"On command the turkey vulture spreads his wings, as if showing off. This is also instinct, you learn: however associated with dark shadows, the scavengers strike this “horaltic pose” to sun themselves, to let the rays bake the bacteria off their feathers."
Seth Boster Features writer for The Gazette
Excerpt from "Southern Colorado raptor center a place for discovery and recovery"
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Educational Programs

Raptor Programs Brochure

Through several different educational programs, the Raptor Center teaches over 6,000 individuals every year about the importance of birds of prey in our ecosystem. We offer public and private educational opportunities for all ages, both on-site and off-site. Our raptor presentations are a truly captivating experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Want us to bring a owl, vulture, or hawk to your next birthday party, field trip, or gathering? Email raptors@hikeandlearn.org or download our Raptor Center Brochure to get started!

Download Brochure

Weekend Raptor Center Tours

NWDC is proud to offer Weekend Raptor Center Tours twice a month on the weekend. This is a public guided tour where visitors can get up close and personal with these birds of prey. Our knowledgeable staff and volunteers are happy to answer any questions about the raptors, such as their hunting habits, lifestyle, and lifespan. Each bird participating in the tours is a permanent resident of the Raptor Center with a personal story. PLEASE register ahead of time, since we no longer accept walk-in visits!

Our other educational Raptor Center programs include:

  • Bird of Prey presentations (perfect for school field trips!)
  • Private Raptor Center tours
  • Raptor releases
  • Adopt-a-Raptor program

Our educational Raptor Center programs are by appointment only. Please call (719) 549-2327 or email diana@hikeandlearn.org to learn more and schedule a program

Raptor Center Tour Calendar

If you have any problems with the calendar below or prefer a different event list view, please visit our Weekend Raptor Center Tours page for a list of time slots and to reserve a spot in an upcoming tour.

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Ranger Lurch Coloring Page

Did you know? Vultures often forage 150-300 miles in one day for food, and they can easily soar to heights of over 2,600 feet. We have two vulture ambassadors who live at our Raptor Center, and one of them is named Lurch! Download this coloring sheet to color him in! Post your creation on social media and be sure to tag us.

Facebook: Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center
Instagram: @nwdcco

Download Coloring Page
Ranger Lurch Coloring Sheet

Did You Find an Injured Raptor?

Please call (719) 485-4444 ext. 3001 to speak with one of our Raptor Center Staff Members. The NWDC Raptor Center is located at 4828 Nature Center Road, Pueblo, Colorado, 81003. We are open for intake of injured, ill, or orphaned raptors from 10am – 4pm every day.
 

Additional Wildlife & Rehabilitation Resources:

Support Us

With your help, we can continue our mission in saving and rehabilitating these rare and magnificent birds of prey. We gratefully accept financial and item/food donations. 

Donate Now