Open House

MEDIA ALERT
For Immediate Release
March 30, 2006

Contacts:
Mariah Carroll
College of Veterinary Medicine
612-624-7231, carr0278@umn.edu

Krista Erickson Anderson
The Raptor Center
612-624-2756, erick254@umn.edu

U of M College of Veterinary Medicine Open House

What:
Annual Spring Open House at the College of Veterinary Medicine and The Raptor Center. Admission is free and the event is open to the public. No reservations are required.

When:
Sunday, April 2, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where:
The College of Veterinary Medicine, 1365 Gortner Ave., St. Paul
The Raptor Center, 1920 Fitch Ave., St. Paul

Both facilities are located on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota.

Public parking is free and available in the Gortner Avenue Ramp adjacent to both facilities.

Why:
Get a look at the workings of the Veterinary Medical Center where over 40,000 small and large animals were treated last year by over 100 veterinarians and where The Raptor Center rehabilitated over 800 birds last year, releasing 236 including a California condor.

• Learn about the services, research, and educational opportunities offered by the College of Veterinary Medicine.
• Visit The Raptor Center, see eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons and hear their stories, and meet the veterinarians who treat hundreds of birds of prey each year.
• Tour the Veterinary Medical Center, learn about admission to the veterinary program, and hear from a panel of veterinary students.
• Visit more than 50 animal and veterinary-related booths representing educational opportunities, animal welfare, and the well-being of animals. 
• See live animal demonstrations and exhibits and take part in fun activities for kids of all ages

Background:
The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine was founded in 1947 as the 11^th college of veterinary medicine in the United States. The mission of the college is to improve the health and well- being of animals and people by providing high-quality veterinary training, providing specialized animal care to the pets and livestock of the region, and conducting leading-edge research.

The Raptor Center was established in 1974 within the College of Veterinary Medicine to provide medical treatment and rehabilitation to injured birds of prey. The Raptor Center is internationally known for pioneering and perfecting techniques in avian medicine and surgery, restoring the peregrine falcon in the Midwest, and advancing the health of raptors and other avian species through ongoing research.

Representatives of the Raptor Center and the veterinary student organizing committee are available for in-studio appearances with live birds of prey and other animals to promote the open house.

Images are available for print.

Photo and video opportunities will be available at the event.