Releasing a rehabilitated eagle to the wild is an emotional experience that is remembered for a lifetime. The Birds of Prey Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by Sigrid Uelblacker, a licensed rehabilitator since 1981. The foundation's specialty is birds of prey but no bird in need is turned away. Each year over 3,500 telephone calls are processed and up to 400 birds are admitted to the facility. Injuries sustained from auto, window and power line collisions, steel jaw traps and gunshot are typical.
Illnesses are usually due to poisoning.
The foundation facility is equipped for all types of treatment and rehabilitation from intensive care to pre-release conditioning. The intensive care unit can accomodate up to 35 birds. It includes an examination and treatment room, a laboratory, a records office, and cages of various sizes. The cages are reconfigurable to accomodate different sized birds or to provide various degrees of movement restriction. The solid cage doors provide privacy and reduce stress.