Nebraska Raptor Center

The **Nebraska Raptor Center**, which operates under the dedicated umbrella of the **Raptor Conservation Alliance (RCA)**, is not a typical local animal hospital for dogs and cats, but a highly specialized and vital resource for the entire state. Serving Nebraska and surrounding areas since 1976 (formerly as Raptor Recovery Center), this facility is an established institution dedicated exclusively to the care, rehabilitation, and release of injured and orphaned **raptors**, or birds of prey. These magnificent creatures include hawks, owls, falcons, and eagles—all essential parts of Nebraska's natural ecosystem.

The mission of the Raptor Conservation Alliance is threefold: to provide expert **care and support** for injured raptors in preparation for their return to the wild; to assist in **management and research** of raptor populations; and critically, to enlist **public support for conservation** through widespread educational programs. With over 15,000 raptors rescued and treated to date, the RCA boasts one of the highest success rates in the country, releasing nearly 50% of the birds they treat back into their natural habitats. This remarkable record cements their reputation as one of the top ten raptor rehabilitation organizations in the nation.

The facility is recognized and licensed by both the **Nebraska Game and Parks Commission** and the **U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service**, ensuring that all operations adhere to strict federal and state guidelines for handling and caring for protected migratory birds. While their primary focus is rehabilitation, the Center recognizes the power of education. They maintain a number of non-releasable birds—often referred to as 'avian ambassadors'—who serve as powerful tools for educational programs across the state. As real customers noted, a tour of the facility is "so neat to see" and the staff are described as "so passionate and knowledgeable," confirming the Center's commitment to engaging the public, especially children.

The Raptor Center is also deeply involved in collaboration with other Nebraska wildlife organizations, such as Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, Inc., to provide state-of-the-art medical care, including surgical procedures for wings and legs, and treatment for trauma or poisoning. This coordinated effort ensures that Nebraska's birds of prey receive the quickest and best chance at recovery and a successful return to flight over the plains.

The Nebraska Raptor Center is located in the community of Elmwood, making it an accessible hub for rescues originating throughout eastern Nebraska. The physical location houses the specialized facilities necessary for the recovery of these unique predatory birds.

• **Address:** 27320 Adams St, Elmwood, NE 68349, USA
• **Facility Focus:** This location is primarily a veterinary hospital and rehabilitation center dedicated to raptors, rather than a general-purpose, walk-in pet clinic.
• **Public Access:** While the facility is a working hospital, they do host tours and educational opportunities, allowing the public—like the families who left positive reviews—to see the vital work being done and meet the non-releasable education birds.
• **Wildlife Assistance Hotline:** For those who find an injured or orphaned bird of prey in Nebraska, the critical first step is to contact the organization directly through their dedicated hotline, which connects the public with their network of volunteers.

The services offered by the Raptor Conservation Alliance at the Nebraska Raptor Center are highly specialized and focused on avian medicine and the unique needs of birds of prey.

• **Raptor Rescue and Admission:**
  • A statewide **volunteer network** responsible for picking up injured or orphaned raptors across Nebraska and surrounding states.
  • Coordination with the public via a dedicated hotline and digital communications for reporting injured birds.
• **Advanced Veterinary Care and Rehabilitation:**
  • **Specialized medical treatment** for sick, injured, and orphaned raptors, including eagles, owls, and hawks.
  • Collaborative use of advanced veterinary resources for surgical pinning of broken wings and legs, wound treatment, and care for head trauma or poisoning.
  • Expert rehabilitation protocols aimed at successful return to the wild, resulting in one of the nation's highest release rates.
• **Conservation and Research:**
  • Assistance in the management of raptor populations and conservation research efforts.
  • Collecting rich eco-system health data to inform pathology information and research solutions.
• **Educational Programs:**
  • Programs presented by knowledgeable volunteers across the state to foster value in education and create ambassadors for raptor conservation.
  • Utilizing **permanent resident birds** (avian ambassadors) that cannot be released due to injury, allowing the public a safe, close-up viewing and learning experience.

The Nebraska Raptor Center is more than an animal hospital; it is a center of excellence for avian conservation and community engagement, making it a valuable asset to the State of Nebraska.

• **High Success Rate:** Achieving nearly a 50% release rate for the thousands of raptors treated, demonstrating top-tier expertise in rehabilitation protocols.
• **Veteran Organization:** The practice boasts over 45 years of experience under its previous name, Raptor Recovery Nebraska, establishing a deep historical knowledge base.
• **Volunteer-Driven Network:** The rehabilitation process is supported by a large, dedicated, and knowledgeable volunteer network that facilitates rescues and delivers educational programs throughout Nebraska.
• **Educational Value:** The facility provides a neat and informative experience for the community, confirmed by family reviews, with passionate staff and non-releasable birds that help teach the public about the importance of raptors.
• **State and Federal Licensing:** Fully licensed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, assuring professional and legal handling of protected species.

If you have found an injured or orphaned bird of prey in Nebraska, or wish to inquire about educational programs, please use the following contact details.

• **Address:** 27320 Adams St, Elmwood, NE 68349, USA
• **Emergency Hotline for Injured Birds:** (866) 888-7261
• **Alternative Contact (RCA):** (866) 888-7261

For any Nebraska resident encountering an injured raptor, the Nebraska Raptor Center is the singular and most crucial choice. This is not a choice between general practitioners; it is a choice for highly specialized, dedicated expertise. The center's reputation as one of the top raptor rehabilitation organizations in the country, coupled with a decades-long track record of successfully returning magnificent birds like eagles and hawks back to the wild, makes their service invaluable. No other general "animal hospital" offers this level of specific training, licensing, and facility design for birds of prey.

Choosing to support or utilize the Raptor Conservation Alliance means supporting a critical conservation mission that directly impacts Nebraska's natural heritage. Whether a resident is bringing in an injured owl or simply visiting the facility for an educational tour, they are engaging with a passionate, knowledgeable team whose work contributes to the ecological health of the entire state. The dual focus on expert medical rehabilitation and high-quality public education ensures the center is an enduring asset, inspiring the next generation of conservationists, as noted by the positive feedback from visiting families. Their mission, success rate, and specialization make them the definitive resource for birds of prey in the Nebraska region.

Nebraska Raptor Center

27320 Adams St, Elmwood, NE 68349, USA