The Raptor Center, University of Minnesota: Location, Mission, and Visiting

Where to Find The Raptor Center

Address: 1920 Fitch Avenue, Falcon Heights, MN 55113
Campus: University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus (adjacent to the College of Veterinary Medicine)
Coordinates: 44.987° N, 93.183° W
Parking: Gortner Avenue Ramp (pay lot) or limited street parking on Fitch/Carter Avenues.

What It Is

The Raptor Center (TRC) is a world-renowned clinic, research hub, and education program within the University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine. Founded in 1974, it treats ~1,000 injured, sick, or orphaned raptors annually (eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, osprey, vultures) and trains veterinary students and specialists from around the globe.

Public Access

• Tours: Guided public tours (45 min) offered Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays at 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM (check website for seasonal changes). Advance registration required.
• Education programs: On-site and off-site presentations with live ambassador birds (non-releasable due to injury).
• Visitor Center: Exhibits on raptor biology, conservation, and the Center's work. Open during tour hours.
• No drop-in visits: The clinical areas are not open to the public outside scheduled tours.

Key Programs

• Clinical care: Orthopedic surgery, ophthalmology, toxicology (lead poisoning is a major threat), rehabilitation flight conditioning.
• Research: West Nile virus, lead ammunition alternatives, migration tracking (satellite telemetry), avian influenza surveillance.
• Training: Residency in zoological medicine; externships for vet students worldwide.
• Conservation: Partnerships on California Condor recovery, Peregrine Falcon monitoring, Bald Eagle nest surveys.

How to Support

• Adopt a Raptor: Symbolic adoption packages fund care for specific ambassador birds.
• Donate: Direct gifts, planned giving, or wish-list items (medical supplies, food, equipment).
• Volunteer: Transport, education, clinic support (requires application, training, commitment).
• Report injured raptors: Call TRC at 612-624-4745 (day) or 612-625-9711 (after-hours UMN Veterinary Medical Center). Do not attempt to feed or handle.

Plan Your Visit

Website: raptor.umn.edu
Phone: 612-624-4745
Email: raptor@umn.edu
Check the website before going—tour schedules, COVID policies, and construction access change.