Auburn University Raptor Center

11/21/2025

Not a rain drop in sight! If the rain scared you away today, you’ll have one more chance next week! Our last Football, Fans and Feathers presentation of the year will be on Friday, November 28. Gates open at 3pm and the show starts at 4pm.

https://www.vetmed.auburn.edu/raptor/raptor-center-events/

11/21/2025

Football, Fans and Feathers is STILL happening! Weather should clear up by the start of our show!

11/21/2025

🦅 War Eagle: Day or Night? 🦅

We've got two games left this season. Do you prefer cheering on the Tigers during day games or under the lights at night games?

Now’s the perfect time to share your thoughts AND make an impact! Every donation to the War Eagle 25 campaign will be matched between now and the Iron Bowl by a generous donor. Your support helps us care for these incredible eagles and continue our mission at the Auburn University Raptor Center.

🧡 Vote in the comments: Day or Night?
💙 Donate today and double your impact! auburngiving.org/auraptor25S

11/21/2025

On October 4th, Patient 2025-216, a barred owl, was admitted after being found on the side of the road with a head injury. Every success story—like hers—exists because of YOU. Community support makes it possible for patients to heal and return to the wild. 💚

Supporters aren’t just donors—they’re the ones who step in to rescue and transport birds in need, ensuring they reach safety and care. With our new partners at Crooked Oaks, 216 was released back to the wild, soaring free once again. 🦉✨

Thank you for helping us give them a second chance.

AuburnGiving.org/AURaptor25S

11/20/2025

🦅 Working with wild animals always comes with a touch of unpredictability, even with our most experienced raptor ambassadors.

At the Auburn University Raptor Center, we spend countless hours building trust with our birds. When our eagles take to the skies for their iconic flights before Auburn football games, we pair that trust with additional safety measures like telemetry and GPS transmitters. This is all part of honoring our responsibility as stewards of these remarkable birds—and safeguarding the tradition that means so much to Auburn.

If you’ve ever felt that rush of awe watching our eagles circling the stadium, there’s still time to support our “25 Years of War Eagle Flights” campaign. Between now and the Iron Bowl, every gift is matched by a generous donor, doubling your impact on our educational outreach efforts.

🔗AuburnGiving.org/AURaptor25S

11/20/2025

For 50+ years, the Auburn University Raptor Center (AURC) has championed wildlife conservation, education, and raptor rehabilitation. As we celebrate 25 years of eagle flights in Jordan-Hare, we are raising funds to enhance the AURC’s Carter Educational Amphitheater. Join us in making events at the AURC even more memorable for the 30,000+ guests who visit us each year.

click this link to give:🔗 https://give.auburn.edu/campaigns/auburn-university-raptor-center-3/?appeal_id=691371d378ee2ec92d450e06&utm_source=social&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=raptorcenter

11/15/2025

11/14/2025

We are mourning the passing of Chaplain, our beloved barn owl ambassador. Known for grace and beauty that matched a unique personality, Chaplain had been experiencing health issues associated with the natural aging process.

He had been receiving care for skin cancer, gastrointestinal disease, and cataracts in both eyes that were significantly impacting his vision. For some time, our veterinary and animal care teams had been working closely to manage his conditions and keep him comfortable; as his age-related and medical challenges progressed, it became clear that medical intervention could no longer maintain the comfort and quality of life he deserved.

Barn owls in the wild live an average of about four years. At nearly twenty-two, Chaplain had far exceeded that lifespan. His long life was possible only because of the attentive, daily care he received from the staff and volunteers at AURC and the dedication of his veterinary team—including our staff veterinarians and assistants as well as specialists from the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Chaplain came to the center in 2004, having been raised illegally by humans. Because of his lack of fear of people and dependency upon them for food, he could not be returned to the wild. Weighing less than a pound and boasting a wingspan of 43 inches, Chaplain quickly became a favorite at amphitheater shows, demonstrating owls’ awe-inspiring talent for silent flight.

“Chaplain offered joy to everyone who had the pleasure of interacting with him over the course of the last 21 years,” said Auburn University Raptor Center Director Robyn Miller. “Our resident raptors have access to top-tier veterinary care, but even so, age and illness can affect their quality of life. When that happens, we will make the most humane decision possible, guided by compassion and respect for the incredible lives they have led.”

An ambassador like Chaplain has touched countless lives. We invite you to celebrate his legacy with us. Share your favorite memories below or browse this post's photos to see the moments our staff and volunteers cherish most with this beloved bird.

11/13/2025

How do you train an eagle to soar with confidence over a roaring stadium of nearly 90,000 fans?

In the first chapter of our video series celebrating 25 years of War Eagle Flights, AURC Director Robyn Miller pulls back the curtain on the training, trust-building, and daily care that make this one-of-a-kind tradition possible.

This series highlights the people and raptors behind game day, honoring their work, their expertise, and the unique role the AURC plays within the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and the broader Auburn University community.

If you've ever been impacted by one of these iconic flights, consider supporting the next 25 years of War Eagle Flights with a charitable donation. From now to the Iron Bowl, your donations will be matched by a generous donor, doubling your impact on our outreach program.

Donate today at AuburnGiving.org/AURaptor25S

11/08/2025

For a quarter of a century, the iconic War Eagle Flight has soared above Jordan-Hare Stadium, igniting the spirit of Auburn fans and honoring the majestic raptors that call the Auburn University Raptor Center home. Now, you can commemorate this incredible legacy with a limited-edition 25th Anniversary War Eagle Flights shirt!

Pre-Orders will be taken from 11/8/2025 - 11/15/2025.

https://secure.touchnet.net/C20021_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=221&SINGLESTORE=true

11/07/2025

11/07/2025