Raptor Release

NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release

Contacts:        Mariah Carroll, College of Veterinary Medicine, 612-624-7231                            Abby DeHoop, The Raptor Center, 612-624-2756

U OF M RAPTOR CENTER TO RELEASE REHABILITATED RAPTORS

Katherine B. Andersen Fund to match donations

WHAT:           The Raptor Center at The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine will release rehabilitated raptors back to the wild at the 2007 Spring Raptor Release. Ken Speake, former KARE-11 reporter, will release one of the four raptors.

The event is free and open to the public. During this celebration, participants can watch raptors return to the wild and observe and photograph eagles, falcons, hawks, and owls. The event will also feature live music by regional Emmy award winning Michael Monroe and children’s activities and educational displays throughout the day.

WHEN:           Saturday, May 5
                        11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
                         Release at 1 p.m.

WHERE:        Carpenter Nature Center
                        12805 St. Croix Trail
                        Hastings, Minn.

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (May 2, 2007) - The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine will release four rehabilitated raptors back to the wild on Saturday, May 5, at 1 p.m. at the Carpenter Nature Center in Hastings, Minn.

Ken Speake, former KARE-11 news reporter, will be on hand to release one of the featured raptors. Speake retired from KARE-11 in 2006 after reporting for 28 years. In 2003 Speake contracted West Nile virus infection and went on to cover The Raptor Center’s research on the virus. In addition to examining the West Nile virus research, Ken covered many other health concerns facing raptors over the 28 years he worked as a reporter

The Raptor Center is also celebrating the award of a matching grant opportunity from the Katherine B. Andersen Fund of the St. Paul Foundation. The fund will match new gifts between $1 and $999 made to The Raptor Center. With the proceeds, The Raptor Center will work to combat the threat of lead poisoning to the state’s bald eagle population, further West Nile virus research, and address other raptor health concerns

“This release is a wonderful opportunity to give back to community that graciously and continuously supports us. We are honored to be the recipient of a matching grant from the Katherine B. Andersen Fund of the St. Paul Foundation,” says Dr. Juli Ponder, executive director of The Raptor Center.         

The 2007 Spring Raptor Release is co-sponsored by 3M Foundation, Carpenter Nature Center, and The Raptor Center.

For more information please contact The Raptor Center at 612-624-4745.

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The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota specializes in the medical care, rehabilitation, and conservation of eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons. In addition to treating approximately 800 birds a year, the program provides training in raptor medicine and surgery for veterinarians from around the world, reaches more than 250,000 people each year through public education programs and events, and identifies emerging issues related to raptor health and populations.

The Spring Raptor Release is co-sponsored by Carpenter Nature Center, whose mission is to develop and enhance appreciation for the natural world through quality environmental education, conservation practices, and outdoor experiences for visitors of all ages and capabilities.