Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, Maitland, FL, USA

Founded in 1979 in Maitland, the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey has treated over 12,000 injured or orphaned birds of prey (raptors), releasing more than 40% of these former patients back into the wild. http://fl.audubon.org/audubon-center-birds-prey

Audubon’s Center for Birds of Prey opened its doors in 1979. Thirty one years later, the Center is the premier raptor rehabilitation facility in the eastern United States. Raptors treated at the Center include hawks, owls, kites, falcons and eagles. In addition to birds of prey, it also cares for vultures, taking every opportunity to educate the public about these very valuable members of the stork family.

Annual patient admissions average 600, with a release rate of 40%. Approximately 10% of admissions annually are Bald Eagles, and the Center is renowned for its eagle care. To date the Center has released 407 eagles back to the wild.

Non-releasable birds may live out their lives at the Center as education ambassadors. Young birds with permanent disabilities are trained to the glove and become “working birds”, traveling to schools, festivals and other events. They interact with over 20,000 people annually.

The Center is located in a suburban neighborhood on Lake Sybelia in Maitland. In addition to over 20 species of raptors and vultures on display, there are educational displays, a butterfly garden, gazebo and wetlands on the lake and Audubon House, a restored 1924 bungalow.

The “bird parade” at 4 PM is a popular ending to the day for many guests. The education birds perched in the Bird Garden are walked on the glove to their evening quarters. This is a wonderful opportunity for an up close and personal visit with these magnificent birds of prey.

Visitors are welcome Tuesday-Sunday from 10 AM-4 PM. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for children 12 and under, free for children younger than three. The Center is closed on Mondays and federal holidays.