At the Alaska Raptor Center in Sitka, bald eagles, hawks and other birds of prey are rescued and returned to the wild if at all possible. Those that have been injured too severely are kept at the centre and used to educate the public about the work that goes on at this premier avian hospital.

Founded in 1980, this volunteer run operation has expanded to become Alaska's foremost bald eagle hospital, research and educational center. A new $2.5 million Flight-Training Center has recently been opened, a wonderful facility that gives recovering eagles the space to re-learn the art of hunting for themselves. The covered rainforest area also allows visitors to watch as the birds fly from tree to tree and  swoop down to grab a salmon from the pond or stream. The 20,000 square foot flight centre also contains vertical flight mews in which the birds can be tested and conditioned for lift and stamina before they 'graduate' to release back into the wild.

The Alaska Raptor Center could not exist without the help of many dedicated volunteer staff, full time veterinary staff, financial contributions from visitors and the 'Adopt-A-Raptor' program. If you would like more information on how to contribute to the wonderful work this centre does, please visit their website