Carolina Raptor Center is a living museum, dedicated to the conservation of birds of prey through education, research, and the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned raptors. Located in Latta Plantation Nature Preserve on 57 acres, the 3/4 mile Raptor Trail is home to over 25 species of native and exotic raptors — hawks, falcons, eagles, merlins, kites and vultures. The most recent addition to the Raptor Trail, the Owl Forest is fashioned after a nature notebook — featuring areas for art exploration and nature observation as well as seven species of owl. Experience educational exhibits like Family Corvidae and Raptors of the Silver Screen, and enjoy special programs like the Summer Flight Shows. Carolina Raptor Center is a non-profit organization whose operations support the rehabilitation and release of over 800 raptors each year, as well as the education of about 80,000 children and visitors in the Charlotte region.
Carolina Raptor Center is located at 6000 Sample Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078. The Center is currently operating on winter hours from November 1 through March 31. During Winter Hours, the Center is closed Monday and Tuesday and open Wednesday – Saturday 10-5 pm and Sunday 12-5 pm. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors 65+, educators with a valid ID, and active military, $6 for students, including college students with a valid ID and FREE for kids 4 and under. Live Bird Presentations, Meet the Keeper and Trail Trivia Tours, and Vulture Feedings are included in the price of admission. Flight Shows and Behind the Scenes Tours are an additional $5 per person per show, or $7 for both. Check the calendar for scheduled times here.
Make sure to check out the Carolina Raptor Center’s Bald Eagle nesting pair – Savannah and Derek Eagle! Thanks to a partnership between Carolina Raptor Center and WCNC, throughout the next few months, you should be able to watch these two build their nest, lay eggs, sit on the nest, hatch and raise their young through this online camera. Sometime in March or April, they will be moved to a tower out in the woods, a camera will follow them there for the last few weeks but understand that the picture there won’t be as good because of the lack of power out there. Check out the webcam here: WCNC Eagle Cam
If you want to learn more about the Carolina Raptor Center and all their offerings, check out their website: http://www.carolinaraptorcenter.org/
