Rocky Mountain Raptor Program facts for kids
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| Abbreviation | RMRP |
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| Formation | 1987 |
| Type | Nonprofit |
| Legal status | 501(c)(3) |
| Headquarters | Fort Collins, Colorado |
| Location | |
| Services | Wildlife/Raptor rescue, rehabilitation, and release. Community conservation education, and knowledge contribution to research |
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Executive Director & Board Member
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Carin Avila |
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The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program (RMRP) is a special group that works like a hospital for injured birds of prey. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which means its main goal is to help animals, not to make money. Located in Fort Collins, Colorado, the RMRP team rescues, heals, and releases raptors like eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls.
Besides helping birds, the RMRP also teaches people why it's important to protect wildlife. They have a team of "Educational Ambassadors," which are birds that were too injured to be safely released back into the wild. These special birds help teach thousands of kids and adults every year about nature and conservation.
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What the RMRP Does
The program has a national reputation for its excellent work. They focus on two main areas: helping birds directly and educating the community.
Rescuing and Healing Raptors
When a raptor is found injured, the RMRP team gives it expert medical care. This can include:
- Fixing broken bones
- Cleaning and caring for wounds
- Providing fluids to prevent dehydration
- Giving them healthy food to help them get strong
The goal is to heal the birds so they can return to the wild. On average, the center helps about one new bird each day. Thanks to their great care, about 77% of the birds they can treat are successfully released.
Teaching About Wildlife
The RMRP's education program is very popular in Colorado. The Educational Ambassador birds are the stars of the show. They travel with the RMRP team to over 200 events each year. They visit schools and community gatherings, reaching more than 15,000 students annually. These presentations help everyone understand why it's important to keep wild places safe for animals.
History of the Program
The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program began in 1979. It started as a small student club at Colorado State University. In the beginning, students cared for just a few injured raptors each year. Since that first hawk, thousands of birds have been helped by the program.
In 2007, the RMRP moved to a new building in Fort Collins. This gave them more space to care for the birds. The program owns a 26-acre piece of land and hopes to one day build a new, larger center that will be open for the public to visit.
Visiting the Facility
The RMRP's main hospital and rehabilitation center is located at 720B East Vine Drive in Fort Collins. This facility is where the birds are cared for, so it is not open for the public to just walk in. However, people who are interested can schedule a tour for a fee to see the amazing work they do.
