The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program started in 1979 as a student club rehabilitating a few injured raptors each year.

From the first hawk cared for that year, more than 3,500 raptors have followed. The annual caseload grew year after year, and RMRP’s Executive Director Judy Scherpelz was hired in 1987.

Through the passion and dedication of a few staff members and thousands of volunteers, the raptor program has steadily grown.

• RMRP now admits nearly 275 raptors each year
• Staff and volunteers provide critical medical and rehabilitative care
• More than 70% of treatable birds are released
• There are seven staff members and nearly 200 active volunteers
• Volunteers contributed 44,500 in the past year, averaging more than 120 hours each day, and equal to 22 full-time employees
• RMRP teaches the importance of environmental stewardship at nearly 200 public presentations each year

RMRP became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2004. Meanwhile, to make room for CSU’s Veterinary Hospital expansion, RMRP planned a move from its long-time CSU location, and purchased a 27-acre parcel of open space on East Vine Drive north of downtown Fort Collins. In 2006, RMRP leased a building adjacent to its Vine Drive property, built three modern flight cage enclosures, and occupied the Vine Drive facility in January of 2007 where it continues to operate today.

In the next several years, the program plans to create the Rocky Mountain Raptor Center for Avian Conservation, Education, and Research, a 20-acre raptor rehabilitation hospital, flight reconditioning center, and public wildlife experience, open to the public.

After nearly 30 years of existence, however, we realize that our work is only possible because of wonderful and passionate people who believe in our work and support our efforts.

We are sincerely thankful for each and every supporter, and invite you to join us on our journey of discovery and hope!