Letter from the director
November 07, 2024
The Raptor Center
Lori Arent holding a raptor on one gloved hand

I find myself filled with both reflection and anticipation. Today, we stand at the threshold of a new era for The Raptor Center (TRC), ready to embark on the next 50 years with the same spirit of innovation, determination, and hope that has guided us from the beginning.

I feel so privileged to contribute to such an amazing organization now as interim director. Starting as the rehabilitation coordinator over 30 years ago, I have dedicated my career to ensuring the health of raptors and the world we share with them. We thank Dr. Victoria Hall for expertly steering this ship through the last four years, positioning TRC to be well equipped for what's to come.

The experience of knowing where this Center has been will be with me as I lead our amazing team of experts through our 50th year, catapulting us to where we need to go. Our mission is advancing, our hospital census is growing, and our commitment to education is deepening and I have the utmost confidence in my team’s passion and drive.

As TRC’s mission began with a vision of what could be possible, we remain undeterred in our commitment to be a force for change. The challenges facing raptors remain urgent. Through our work, past and present, we know our greatest strength is the unwavering support of our community who uplifts us. Fifty years of saving raptors has taught us we can continue to tip the scale toward a future where raptors thrive and our shared ecosystem is balanced.

As you read through this final anniversary issue, I invite you to imagine the work that lies ahead. The Raptor Center’s future is as boundless as the skies our raptors fly in, and we want you to be a part of every moment, every milestone, and every victory that is yet to come.

Thank you for being a part of our flock and mission to protect these incredible birds. Together, we will soar into the future, carrying the legacy of The Raptor Center forward into a world that needs stewards of raptor health now more than ever.

This issue is the third of three 50th Anniversary Raptor Release editions and is dedicated to where we see ourselves headed next as we soar into our future. Thank you again for being a part of this journey and helping us to be not just “A” Raptor Center, but “The” Raptor Center.

Lori Arent signature

– Lori Arent, MS,

Interim Director of The Raptor Center