There is a large gap in knowledge regarding the health and wellbeing of raptor patients once they are released back into the wild. Bird backpacks equipped with GPS systems can track their movements, providing critical information about their survival.

The Raptor Center (TRC) is seeking to purchase these backpacks to evaluate the long-term outcomes of medical treatments and rehabilitation techniques in released birds. The possibilities are endless, and TRC is planning to start by evaluating its release techniques for nestling and juvenile bald eagles.

In turn, TRC can share this information broadly with the wildlife rehabilitation community so centers and birds throughout the nation (and world) can benefit from the knowledge. Information from these backpacks can also be shared more widely through TRC’s education programs, providing an opportunity for the public to track released patients.

The high costs of modern medical and research equipment creates a financial barrier that TRC’s innovative veterinary team strives to overcome each day. The generosity of a few TRC champions have contributed 60 percent of the $100,000 goal to purchase these devices, priced at $2,500 per backpack.

When TRC staff is empowered with better tools, it leads to better outcomes for patients.

If you would like to learn more about how you can support this amazing project, please contact senior development officer Ellen Orndorf at [email protected] or 612-624-8457.