RAPTOR Inc.’s mission includes cultivating respect for nature in our community and educating the public about the importance of raptors in the environment. Our trained educators and avian ambassadors deliver over 350 public educational presentations each year. We offer a variety of programs and all of our programs can be adapted to suit your specific needs. Discount pricing is available for multiple programs booked together.
Make your next event extra special by inviting a bird of prey! There are no mileage fees assessed for programs conducted within a 30 mile radius of our facility. Programs outside of this radius may be assessed a mileage fee.
We would love to host your group or family at our Milford, Ohio facility. We offer tours, formal programs, scout achievement programs, home school programs, and more. Programs conducted at our facility are offered at reduced costs! Reservations are required.
Formal Raptor Program Options
Formal programs are delivered in a lecture/classroom-type format, or virtually from our facility.
Beaks & Talons!
A ~45 minute presentation featuring 3 live avian ambassadors. Up close and personal, you can see and learn about the adaptations which make birds of prey supreme hunters of the sky. Tailored to specific age groups, the program will describe raptor diets, habitats, nesting habits and their role in the food web, as well as other interesting topics. Artifacts (such as wings, feet, pellets, etc.) will be available for touching and raptor vocalizations will be played. (~45 minutes, $175)
All About Owls!
A ~45 minute presentation similar to the Beaks & Talons program above, but this program will focus specifically on owls native to our area and feature a visit from 3 live owl ambassadors. (~45 minutes, $175)
Fantastic Beasts of the Harry Potter World!
A ~45 minute presentation similar to the Beaks & Talons program above, but this program will incorporate elements from the enchanted world of Harry Potter! Celebrate the magical creatures that Harry and Newt cherish, and discover the fantastic adaptations that 3 of our local avian ambassadors possess! (~45 minutes, $175)
Owl Babies Book Reading!
Developed especially for the younger audience of 4 – 8 year-olds. An educator will read the book Owl Babies by Martin Waddell, and describe where to look and what to listen for to locate owls in your neighborhood. The program will feature a visit from an owl like the ones in the story. The children will also learn a song and can choose to sing along with the educator. Artifacts will be available to touch and recordings of raptor vocalizations will be played. (30 minutes, $85)
Vulture Virtues Book Reading!
Another program designed for the younger audience. An educator will read the book Vulture View by April Pulley Sayre, and describe the interesting adaptations and importance of vultures to our environment. The program will feature a visit from a vulture like the ones in the story. The children will also learn a song and can choose to sing along with the educator. Artifacts will be available for touching. (30 minutes, $85)
Owl Pellet Dissection Lab!
Designed specifically for 4th grade and older, an educator will give a ~30 minute presentation featuring 2 live owl ambassadors and discuss the adaptations owls possess that make them such supreme nocturnal hunters as well as their role in the food web. The presentation will be followed by a guided pellet dissection lab. Program includes all materials for 30 participants, additional supplies can be purchased. (~90 minutes, supplies for 30 participants, $250)
Virtual Programs:
Any of our formal programs can be delivered virtually. We host programs via Zoom by default, but we are happy to work with your facility if you prefer a different format, such as Google Meet or Microsoft Teams. Virtual Programs include appearances from our Avian Ambassadors. (~45 minutes, $175)
Educators: Owl Pellets for Sale!
Educators…Do you wish to conduct your own owl pellet dissection program? Bones, fur, feathers…what a great opportunity for your detectives to search and discover what is hidden in these owl pellets! The pellets are collected from the owls residing at RAPTOR Inc. They are large in size and sanitized. Free delivery is available within a 30 mile radius of the Raptor Center.
Pellets only are $2.50 each – Order 20 pellets or more to receive the discounted price of just $2.00 each! Pellet Kits containing a pellet, activity sheets, tweezers, and gloves are available for $5.00 each. Supplies are limited so order early to assure availability. Email raptor@raptorinc.org to order.
Informal Raptor Program Options
Booth Presentation
Invite birds of prey to your next event! Informal programs are delivered in a Meet-and-Greet or booth format with an educator and 3 avian ambassadors. The educators will display avian ambassadors on the glove or on a portable perch. The educators will also staff a table where guests can approach at their leisure, interact with the educator, take photos, and explore touchable artifacts. Discounts are available for programs requested without birds or for multiple hours of programming at the same location on the same day. (60 mins, $175).
Programs Conducted On-Grounds
Educational Programs!
Programs delivered by appointment at our Milford facility are offered at reduced costs. We offer special programs for Scouting and Home School groups. Indoor space is limited. Contact us for details.
“Behind the Scenes” Tour of the Raptor Center!
Private “Behind the Scenes” tours of the Raptor Center are available by appointment. Your tour includes a short classroom presentation where you will have the opportunity to see 2 of our Avian Ambassadors up close and learn about their importance to the environment. Then your educator will give you a tour of the facility where you can see our other Avian Ambassadors in their residential habitats, learn about the rehabilitation process, and discuss how you can help protect local birds of prey. These intimate tours are great for families or small groups and can be adapted to suit your personal interests. (~45 minutes, $75 for up to 10 people).
Open Houses!
We offer OPEN HOUSES to the public on the last Sunday of each month, March through November, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. During these times our highly skilled educators will be present to welcome guests, lead tours, conduct educational programs with our avian ambassadors, share biological artifacts, and answer questions. Open House Programs are FREE, but donations are appreciated. Reservations are required and can be made at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P77SW2X .
All programs can be purchased as a gift certificate too!
For a list of upcoming programs that are open to the public, please CLICK HERE.
If you have questions or would like additional information about any of our programs or services, please complete the form below and we will contact you. You may also call our office at (513) 825-3325.