New L.A. County Raptor Rescue Center Aids Injured Birds of Prey

The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has established the county's first-ever Raptor Rescue Center at the San Dimas Canyon Nature Center, aimed at rehabilitating and releasing injured birds of prey such as owls, hawks, and falcons. The center's objective is to care for over 200 raptors annually, providing medical attention and rehabilitation to ensure these birds can return to the wild. Since its inception, the center has taken in 70 raptors and successfully released 30 back into their natural habitats.

The program was initiated after the nonprofit Wild Wings, which had operated the rescue since 1987, ceased operations. With a $200,000 contribution from Supervisor Kathryn Barger, DPR is continuing the rescue efforts with trained staff and volunteers. The rescue center operates under permits from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife, and collaborates with L.A. County Animal Care and Control to determine the releasability of the birds. Those that cannot be released are cared for as ambassadors for educational purposes.

The center emphasizes the importance of maintaining the wild nature of the raptors. Measures include not naming the birds, limiting human interaction, and using camouflage suits when in close proximity. With the overarching goal of restoring ecological balance and supporting biodiversity, the center also aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change and habitat loss, which have increased the number of raptor injuries from vehicle strikes and other hazards.