April 2: Where Science Meets the Sky: The Evolution of Raptor Care and Conservation at the World Renowned Raptor Center of the University of Minnesota
This presentation highlighted how The Raptor Center has spent more than 50 years advancing raptor medical care, conservation, and environmental stewardship through rehabilitation, research, education, and global training. Lori Arent shared the organization’s journey from its beginnings to its world-renowned impact, outlined its future vision and discussed how individuals can help protect the ecosystems we all rely on.
Presented by: Lori Arent, MS, Assistant Director of the Raptor Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota.
Part of the OLLI At-the-U Lecture Series.
Key Takeaways
- Raptors (birds of prey) are indicator species, revealing the health of entire ecosystems — and by extension, human health.
- The Raptor Center’s mission operates through three integrated pillars: medical care, education and research.
- Most raptor injuries are human-caused, especially collisions (vehicles, windows), entanglement and illegal shooting.
- Lead poisoning is a leading, preventable killer, primarily from hunting ammunition left in carcasses and gut piles.
- Rodenticides cause secondary poisoning, harming raptors that consume contaminated prey.
- Infectious diseases are rising threats, particularly West Nile virus and avian influenza.
- Rehabilitation success often depends on reuniting young birds with parents, not raising them in captivity.
- Public awareness and behavior change are critical to reducing preventable harm to wildlife.
- Raptors help illustrate the “One Health” concept: human, animal and environmental health are interconnected.
- Long-term conservation success requires a combined approach: treatment, research, education and policy change working together.
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