History timeline

Founded as Charleston Raptor Center in 1991, the Center's name was changed to South Carolina Center for Birds of Prey in 1995 to better reflect the expanded scope of programs and services. With continued growth and program expansion, The Avian Conservaton Center was established in 2004 as an "umbrella" organization to accommodate distinctive educational, medical, scientific, and conservation divisions within the organization. The first of these initiatives are 1) The Center for Birds of Prey; 2) The Avian Medical Center; and 3) Oil Spill Response Facility. Education. Conservation, research, and medical/rehabilatitive care remain the primary areas of the Center's work.

In 2002, Charleston attorney Joseph F. Rice became concerned about the increasing pressures imposed upon wildlife and natural habitat areas by rapidly expanding development. In response, the Rice family generously donated 152 acres in Charleston County as the future site of The Avian Conservation Center.

Following this generous gift, a $9.3 million Capital campaign was launched to fund the expansion. Thanks to support from individuals, corporate sponsors, and foundations, the initial phase of the Campaign was completed, representing more than 60% of the total. Phase II design and construction are ongoing.

1991
Executive Director Jim Elliott establishes the Charleston Raptor Center; initially as an avian medical clinic, in his home.

1995–1999
Annual caseload of injured birds exceeds 100, necessitating the Center’s first full-time professional staff member. To further aid the growing organization, the Volunteer Staff Program is launched.

A full-time educator is added to the staff and begins offering educational programs on the importance of healthy raptor populations in the natural ecosystem.

2000–2003
The annual caseload of injured birds more than triples, reaching over 350 birds in 2001. A search is launched for a location that will accommodate the expanding Center.

The family of Charleston Attorney Joe Rice donates a 152-acre tract in Awendaw, SC. Work begins on the master plan. Site clearing, road improvements, and utilities are installed.

2004
The Avian Conservation Center is established as an umbrella corporate entity to accommodate distinct scientific, educational and conservation initiatives.

Construction on 18 display aviaries is completed.

2005–2006
The Center is awarded a $1.8 million grant from the US Fish & Wildlife/SC DNR for development and construction of The Oiled Bird Response Facility.

The Center is awarded a $500,000 grant from Spaulding-Paolozzi Foundation for the construction of The Countess Alicia Paolozzi Owl Wood.

2007
All administrative, medical and educational operations are consolidated on-site.

An internship program is established and hosts its first four education interns and two medical interns.

Center hosts the Vulture Toxicity Study (May – July, 2007) in partnership with US Geological Survey/Patuxent National Wildlife Refuge & British Society for the Preservation of Birds.

Center establishes the Animal Care & Use Committee with accompanying policies and procedures to define the Center’s ethical standards and protocols for dealing with live animals in research. 

Construction of the Avian Medical Center & the Oiled Bird Response Facility is completed.

Center hosts area-wide oiled bird response training session for relevant agency representatives with training provided by the UC Davis / Oiled Wildlife Care Network/ International Bird Rescue & Rehabilitation Center.

2008
Construction on Countess Alicia Paolozzi Owl Wood is completed.

Center opens to the public for educational programs and flight demonstrations three days a week.

• 2001 recipient of the SC Environmental Awareness Award recognizing outstanding contributions toward the protection, conservation, and protection of SC's natural resources.
   
• 2005 recipient of the SCANPO “Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management”
   
• Provided medical care for more than 5,000 birds of prey. Currently treat 350 to 400 birds a year, releasing the majority back to their natural habitat.
   
• Established cooperative avian genetics studies. Research published in the Journal of Raptor Research in 1998
   
• Initiated American Swallow-tailed kite study to monitor kite population, determine status of nests and breeding pairs in SC. Center plays leadership role in national Swallow-tailed kite Conservation Alliance
   
• Initiated the SC Coastal Hawk Migration Survey (SCCHMS) and established observation points along the SC coastline from Georgetown to Hilton Head Island.
   
• Established the Wildlife Toxicity Working Group to investigate secondary barbiturate poisoning of Bald Eagles in public landfills.
   
• Partnered with New York City Parks & Recreation and BP Amoco to oversee NYC Bald Eagle Reintroduction Project 2005-2006.
   
• 2007: Participated in research article on “Mercury Concentrations in Tissues of Osprey from the Carolinas, USA," Journal of Wildlife Management (William A. Hopkins, Lara B. Hopkins, Jason M. Unrine, Joel Snodgrass, James D. Elliott, Jr.)
   
• 2008: Participated in research article on "Apparent Tolerance of Turkey Vultures to the Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Diclofenac," Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry Journal (SETAC), (Barnett A. Rattner, Maria A. Whitehead, Grace Gasper, Carol Meteyer, William A. Link, Mark A. Taggart, Andrew A. Mehang, Oliver H. Pattee, Deborah J. Pain)