Remember for a moment the first time you encountered a raptor face to face. With more than 100,000 people participating in The Raptor Center’s (TRC) educational programs, tours, and events every year, it’s possible that raptor was one of its ambassadors.

TRC’s mission to educate others about raptors didn’t always reach that many people. In fact, The Raptor Center’s first education initiative was designed to train veterinary interns, fostering a new generation to help protect wildlife species in great need. Unfortunately, a high percentage of patients are admitted to its hospital as a result of human activity encroaching on more and more wild spaces.

It became clear, the responsibility of protecting raptors and the world people share with them takes everyone. So, a plan was made to build a place where anyone with a hint of curiosity could not only learn about raptors and their ecosystems but also about the challenges they face and how to become their stewards.

This was made possible by Don and Louise Gabbert, who donated $2.38 million to construct and equip the Gabbert Raptor Center, which the organization continues to call home.

The doors to the center opened in 1988. The state-of-the- art facility allowed the public to enjoy informative exhibits and observe raptor ambassadors in its education courtyard.

Soon after its opening, requests for off-site programs poured in and TRC’s ambassadors were inspiring people around the Midwest. Today, first-timers are still walking through its doors and the mission is stronger than ever—to be that first spark in a lifelong love and conservation of raptors.