The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program saves the lives of eagles, owls, and hawks, and has outreach programs that inspire the appreciation and protection of raptors and the spaces where they live.

RMRP is hosting a new volunteer orientation on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 10 am, at its main facility located at 720-B East Vine Drive in Fort Collins. The orientation is a general overview of the program and the various volunteer opportunities which include raptor care, administrative, grounds keeping, laundry, and various other tasks.

Raptor care volunteers work hard and often, a minimum of 5 hours every week. Raptor care volunteers must be able to prepare food (that means chopping up prey animals into bite-sized pieces) and safely clean a cage. There is an extensive training program that emphasizes safety first. Volunteers progress through ‘levels’ at their own pace, and once basic skills are learned, can select the education and/or rehabilitation path for further training and skill development.

A minimum six-month commitment is required; however, you will have several opportunities to decide if this opportunity is right for you before making a commitment.

Administrative, grounds keeping, laundry, and some other volunteer tasks do not have as extensive of a training period.

So if you only want to see cool birds, we encourage you to visit our raptors at the Environmental Learning Center or come to an Open House. Our Holiday Open House is Sunday, December 12, 2010 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

However, if you are ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work prepping food and cleaning cages, you may have the opportunity to handle and directly care for these magnificent creatures. Your efforts will help injured raptors fly free again and make a difference in the lives of thousands of schoolchildren.

CLICK HERE for more information.