State-of-the-art avian display
The 152-acre Center for Birds of Prey site is
surrounded
by the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and the Francis Marion
National Forest. It is easily accessible from US Highway 17 North.
The property is functionally divided into two tracts: one open to the
public for educational purposes and the other designated for avian
medicine and research with access limited to staff, researchers,
students and interns.
Avian Medical Clinic and Oil Spill
Response
The Center’s newly constructed 7000 sf
Avian Medical Center /
Oiled Bird Treatment Facility is designed and equipped to provide the
highest quality medical care available for injured or orphaned birds of
prey and other birds on a daily basis. The only one of its kind on the
East Coast, the expanded facility will provide the most efficient
response possible in the event of an oil spill affecting native bird
populations and their fragile breading habitats along the South
Atlantic coast. With increased capability, it is anticipated that the
Center will eventually admit as many as 1,000 birds on an annual basis.
Along with its principal objective of serving a substantial portion of
the South Atlantic Coastal region in the event of an oil spill
emergency, the Center will also will play a vital role in creating
ongoing awareness of the ecological impacts of a spill and the
proactive measures available to reduce the likelihood of such an event.
The facility will also be utilized as a training facility for personnel
involved in avian medicine for wild birds and oil spill response
activities.
Education, Science and Conservation
Learning Center
An
Education/Science/Conservation building has been designed to feature
interpretive displays, classrooms, laboratories and other venues for
formal educational programs.
On-site and
off-site
educational presentations incorporate standards-based instruction for
elementary, intermediate and high school students. Particular emphasis
has been placed on developing multi-disciplined undergraduate and
graduate level instruction. When completed, this building will feature
interpretive exhibits, classrooms and auditorium.
Standards-based
curriculum is being developed for primary school students, and hands-on
experience and internships will be offered to students at undergraduate
and graduate levels. Instruction and training will be available for
educators, scholars, natural resource professionals, veterinarians, and
others.
Display/Public Area
When completed, a
portion of the site will be opened to the public for educational
purposes. Visitors will experience a natural setting in which to
observe many species of birds of prey. The property includes two flying
fields where birds are presented daily in free flight, a compelling and
profound learning experience.
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Click
above for site plan.
The Campus
When completed, The Center for
Birds of Prey will include:
»Reception Center*
»Education, Science and
Conservation Learning
Center*
»Flying fields*
»Display aviaries*
»Avian Medical Center and Oiled Bird Treatment
Facility
»Recovery and flight enclosures
*Open to the public
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