Welcome to the Raptor Center Home Page!

Located at Carlisle Reservation , next to Carlisle Visitor Center, 12882 Diagonal Road, LaGrange, Ohio.

The residents of our center are wild-hatched birds that have sustained permanent injuries, usually resulting from close contact with humans. As a result these birds cannot hunt for their own food or survive in the wild. Each Raptor Center resident has now become a wildlife ambassador and used during education programs throughout the County.

The Raptor Center of the Lorain County Metro Parks is a facility committed to the professional care and management of non-releasable raptors. We as a staff are also dedicated to educate about and foster respect for these masters of the skies and their roles in nature. These birds are property of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife. Only through their permission and through the US Fish and Wildlife Service is this facility possible.

We encourage you to visit our facility and take a closer look at these fascinating animals, located at the Carlisle Visitor Center in LaGrange, Ohio.

What is a raptor?

A raptor is a bird of prey that hunts for its food. The word raptor comes from the Latin root that means "to seize and carry away". This title is given to any bird that kills with its feet and then carries food away to another perch to eat. Hawks, eagles, falcons, osprey, and owls are all raptors. Raptors have special tools on their body to help them find and catch their food such as excellent eyesight, strong feet and sharp talons at the ends of their toes. These birds also have a sharp, hooked beak for tearing their meat.

All birds of prey are valuable predators. Many raptor species eat small mammals and keep the populations of these animals at a sustainable level. Other raptors eat fish or previously expired animals (carrion).

Adopt-A-Raptor Program

The Adopt-A-Raptor monetary donation program contributes to the ongoing care of these amazing creatures. The funds raised through this program are used towards providing medical care, food, exhibit maintenance and cleaning supplies. The support of the numerous Adopt-A-Raptor “Parents” is crucial for maintaining a high standard of care for the Raptor Center’s residents. A large, appreciative thank you to all of our Parents! Click here to download a PDF of the Adopt-A-Raptor donation form.

** Photo opportunities will be available for all birds except the Bald Eagle. An opportunity to watch a training session with the eagle will replace the photo opportunity.

Click here for PDF with mail-in form