Oct. 3, 2005
MEDIA ADVISORY
Contact:
Sue Kirchoff, College of Veterinary Medicine, 612-624-3781
Raptor Center to be at Woodbury Gander Mountain
What:
Educators and birds from The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota, including a bald eagle, will be part of grand-opening festivities at a new Gander Mountain store in Woodbury, Minn. Gander Mountain officials will make a $1,000 donation to The Raptor Center as part of a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
When:
Friday, Oct. 7, 8 a.m.: ribbon-cutting ceremony and check presentation
Saturday, Oct. 8, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: birds on display at grand opening
Where:
Gander Mountain, 10470 Hudson Road, Woodbury, Minn. For a map to the store, go to http://www.gandermountain.com/storelocator/storedetail.asp_Q_store_id_E_123
Who:
Maxime, a female bald eagle,will be on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8 a.m. Friday. On Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Maxime, three other birds, and educators from The Raptor Center will be part of grand-opening festivities. Visitors will see:
Alley, a 19-year-old red-tailed hawk thought to be a survivor of West Nile virus
Jack, a young male American kestrel (small falcon) imprinted on people
Samantha, 13-year-old great horned owl that was the subject of a painting by wildlife artist Robert Bateman
-end-
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 150,000 people each year through public education programs and events, and identifies emerging issues related to raptor health and populations. A program within the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, The Raptor Center is supported by private funds.