Summer programs

HPAI Update

During this past spring our area saw a significant spike in cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, commonly known as "bird flu." Our rehabilitation clinic accepted many raptors who tested positive for the virus, and observed that it was nearly always fatal to birds of prey. As the virus can be carried around on hands, shoes, and clothing, we implemented many safety protocols to protect our ambassador birds, including closing our Visitor Center during the peak of this outbreak.

While the risk has reduced in the past few weeks, we are still proceeding with an abundance of caution to make sure our resident birds remain safe. With that in mind, we have decided to hold our summer camps in a building across the street from The Raptor Center. Our campers will still have a wonderful experience, and will have the chance to meet many of our birds both in their camp room and on a tour of TRC.

We felt the repeated indoor-outdoor nature of the camp presented a higher risk of contacting the virus and thus presented a higher risk of potentially bringing the virus into our building if we based the campers in our usual camp room onsite. We thank you for your understanding and your help in protecting TRC's ambassador birds!

Children excitedly raising their hands during a Raptor Summer Camp demonstration

University of Minnesota Recreation and Wellness programs

The Raptor Center is partnering with University of Minnesota Recreation and Wellness to offer several summer youth programs. See below for programs offered and more information.

Registration for 2022 summer camps opens February 14, 2022. To register for a program and see latest availability, visit:

Recreation and Wellness
All camps/topics are one week long. A registration is for one week and one age group.

Drop-offs and pick-ups for all Raptor Center camps are through University of Minnesota Recreation and Wellness.

Wizarding World of Wildlife

In the tradition of Hogwarts, discover potions, herbology, transfiguration, and the care of magical creatures. What do raptors have to do with dragons? What magical house will you end up in? What magical properties will your wand be made out of? Find answers to these questions and uncover the secrets of Minnesota's Hedwig and other interesting animals at The Raptor Center.

June 27-July 1; Ages 8-9; Mornings at The Raptor Center
June 27-July 1; Ages 10-12; Afternoons at The Raptor Center

Raptor Biomimicry

What does an owl have to do with a wind turbine or talons with non-slip shoes? What can a turkey vulture teach us about solar energy? How do feathers and eggs inspire insulators and camouflage? Explore nature's designs and how humans can be inspired by them. Spend the week designing and engineering using raptor adaptations and live birds as your muse at The Raptor Center.

July 25-29; Ages 9-11; Mornings at The Raptor Center
July 25-29; Ages 12-15; Afternoons at The Raptor Center

Working with Wildlife

What's it like to work with wildlife? Come find out and explore careers in veterinary medicine, animal care, animal training, field biology, scientific illustrations and art! Participate in lots of hands-on activities and get up close and personal with The Raptor Center's live education birds. A fun way to learn about the exciting science of working with wildlife.

August 8-12; Ages 9-11; Mornings at The Raptor Center
August 8-12; Ages 12-15; Afternoons at The Raptor Center

University of Minnesota Recreation and Wellness programs

The Raptor Center | College of Veterinary Medicine

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