The Raptor Trust facts for kids
The Raptor Trust is a special place in Millington, New Jersey, where wild birds get help. It's surrounded by the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, a big natural area. This center takes care of birds that are hurt or have lost their parents.
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How It Started
A Love for Hawks
The story of The Raptor Trust began with a man named Len Soucy. In 1964, he visited a place called Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Pennsylvania. This visit sparked his interest in hawks and other birds of prey.
Helping Birds at Home
A few years later, in 1968, Len bought some land in Millington. With his family's help, he started caring for injured raptors right in their backyard. More and more people learned about their efforts. Soon, they even added a special hospital for birds. By the late 1970s, hundreds of different birds were brought to them each year. The Soucy family paid for all this care themselves.
Becoming a Non-Profit
In 1982, The Raptor Trust officially became a non-profit organization. This meant they could get donations and more support. Their main goals were clear:
- To give free care to birds that were hurt or had no parents.
- To teach people about birds, especially birds of prey like hawks and owls.
- To show how important it is to treat animals kindly.
What They Do Today
Today, The Raptor Trust has many facilities to help birds and teach visitors. They have a special infirmary, which is like a hospital for birds. There are also buildings for education and a gift shop.
Homes for Recuperating Birds
The center has about 70 cages and aviaries. These are large enclosures where birds can recover. Some birds stay there temporarily until they are well enough to go back into the wild.
Permanent Residents
About 40 hawks, eagles, and owls live at The Raptor Trust permanently. These birds cannot be released back into the wild, often because of their injuries. They have a safe home at the trust.
Helping Younger Birds
Some of the permanent resident birds have even had babies! These unreleasable birds can also act as foster parents for younger birds. This helps the young birds learn important skills. Visitors can get a close look at many of these amazing birds of prey.
