On the edge of Tongass National Forest, the Alaska Raptor Center in Sitka cares for injured birds of prey. This 17-acre sanctuary treats raptors, releasing many back into the wild while others stay as ambassadors for education.
The facility, along the Indian River, invites visitors to view raptors up close and learn about their species and the challenges they face in the wild. Our visit and the center’s commitment to rehabilitation, research, and education enlightened us.
This article shares our overall experience, the species they care for, their challenges, and how visitors can support their cause.
While Alaska has many sanctuaries dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife, the one in Sitka is the largest raptor rescue. To expand its educational program, the non-profit rescue partnered with Kawanti Adventures in 2004 to create the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary.
The Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary in Ketchikan has some raptors, a collection of totem poles, and a carving area. A walk through their rainforest may reveal black bears when the salmon are running.
History Of The Alaska Raptor Center
The Sitka Raptor Center began in 1980. Two locals found an injured bald eagle and took it in. This small act of kindness sparked a mission to help injured birds of prey in their area.
With community support and volunteers, the center grew from a backyard effort into an entire wildlife rehabilitation facility. What started with one eagle became a dedicated organization saving countless raptors, not just from Sitka, but other areas too.
The center was known as the Alaska Raptor Rehabilitation Center in its early years. Almost a half-century later, the facility has grown. This expansion allows the shelter to rescue more injured raptors, give better treatment, and expand its educational program.
Its oldest eagle embassador, Volta, has called the sanctuary home for over three decades. So, if you are visiting Sitka for only a day, consider exploring this raptor center to help support its cause.
Visiting The Alaska Raptor Center
The Sitka Raptor rehabilitation facility sees the majority of visitors from cruise ship, arriving in spring and summer. Summer hours are typically 8 am to 4 pm. There are several ways to visit from the Port of Sitka: on an organized tour or on your own.
Access By A Tour
Cruise ship guests can select various tours that include the Sitka refuge. These excursions are often packaged with other attractions like Fortress of the Bear, Sitka National Historical Park, or Sea Otter Quest.
We took one of these tours called “Best of Sitka,” but sometimes sold as “Bears, Raptors, and Totems.” The tours include transportation from the port and between venues, and usually last 2.5 to 3 hours. Our tour was operated by Alaska Coach Tours.
The upside to an excursion is that everything is pre-planned, taking the guesswork out of what to do in Sitka for a one-day visit. The downside is not always having enough time at each venue.
While we had sufficient time at the Raptor Center, our time at the Sitka bear sanctuary wasn’t long enough. At the end of the tour, guests can return to their ship or stay downtown to continue exploring.
Walk From Downtown
Cruise guests reach downtown by way of a complimentary shuttle. The shuttle bus ends at Harrigan Centennial Hall on the waterfront. From Centennial Hall, it’s an easy 20-minute walk to the Sitka Raptor rescue.
The admission fee is reasonable at USD 16 for adults and USD 8 for children 6 to 12. The ticket includes access to all areas of the facility. Expect to spend an hour or two to see the birds and learn about their stories.
By visiting on your own, you won’t feel rushed to move to another location. Taking a tour is a better option if you can’t walk to the facility. Do note that if you want to visit the Fortress of the Bear also, it’s only possible to do so on a tour, since the facility is far from town and there are virtually no taxis.
Conservation And Rehabilitation
Like the Fortress of the Bear in Sitka, this 17-acre raptor sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates wildlife, in this case, birds. The goal is return the raptors to the wild.
Their specialized facilities and expert staff have helped thousands of birds recover from injuries. Each visit is different as the sanctuary inhabitants’ change.
Rehabilitation Programs
The center operates Alaska’s only full-service avian hospital. Annually, they treat approximately 200 injured birds. Most patients arrive with traumatic injuries from collisions, gunshots, or fishing line entanglements.
Rehabilitation starts with a full medical assessment, followed by treatment and close monitoring. The goal is always to release the birds back into the wild, but some require lifelong care.
For those that can’t survive on their own, the center provides a permanent sanctuary. These “resident raptors” serve as ambassadors, helping to educate visitors. We met one, appropriately named “Sitka.” Her damaged wing affects her ability to hunt and feed herself.
Flight Training Center
The Flight Training Center is a crucial part of the facility. We were fascinated by its design, allowing us to watch without the bald eagles seeing or hearing us. Of course, this meant we couldn’t photograph them through dense latticework.
The 20,000 cubic foot indoor space allows raptors to gain strength and develop flight skills. There were five bald eagles in the training center when we visited. Yoda, a juvenile, found in Wrangell was suffering from starvation. We liked that the eagles were given a name, even if their stay was short. But what’s with the name Gonzo?
Trained staff monitor each bird’s progress. Other training areas encourage hunting and navigating objects to mimic life in the wild.
Raptor Species In Sitka
The Alaska Raptor Center houses a diverse population of birds of prey native to the region. We were able to see species we wouldn’t otherwise see in the wild. They ranged from majestic eagles to tiny owls and swift hawks. Some, like the Golden Eagles, were camouflaged in the trees.
The outer area of the sanctuary featured cages for raptors that can fly, and open enclosures for those that can’t. Since they cannot fly away, these spaces have only fenced walls with no roof.
The wooden boardwalk next to these enclosures is stroller-friendly. It features a fun sign to measure your wingspan. I have the wingspan of a Great Horned Owl! You’d need a 7 foot wingspan to match a bald eagle.
Bald Eagles
Although Alaska has over 30,000 Bald Eagles, it isn’t the state bird; Willow Ptarmigan takes that title. At the Alaska Raptor Center, Bald Eagles represent the majority of patients.
These powerful birds, with their distinctive white heads and yellow beaks, are abundant in Sitka, Haines, and Southeast Alaska. Young eagles start out brown and develop their head and beak color as they mature.
Sitka and Spirit represent some of the Bald Eagles who have suffered wing injuries that prevent their release. These permanent ambassadors help educate visitors about raptor conservation.
Golden Eagles
While less common than their Bald cousins and not quite as pretty, Golden Eagles occasionally find their way to the Alaska Raptor Center. These magnificent birds have rich, dark-brown plumage and golden nape feathers that give them their name. Due to their coloring, they are harder to spot in the wild.
Golden Eagles typically inhabit more inland areas of Alaska but can be found throughout the state. We have occasionally seen them in Denali but have seen many in the Canadian Rockies. We were shocked that this species can prey on young goats.
Owls
While bald eagles might be the most majestic species, owls are definitely the cutest. In the outside aviaries, we viewed Narwhal, a Great Horned Owl, Qigiq, a Snowy Owl, and a Western Screech Owl named Otus.
These silent hunters possess specialized feathers that allow for nearly soundless flight. Owls and other raptors arrive at the rescue due to broken wings, injuries from hitting windows, or poisoning from garden pesticides and chemicals.
Through education, sanctuary visitors can learn how to do their part to lessen the instances of raptors needing rehabilitation.
Hawks
Hawks form an essential part of the raptor family at the center. They typically suffer injuries related to hunting accidents or territorial disputes. Their rehabilitation often involves treatment for wing fractures and soft tissue injuries.
Other hawk species frequently treated include:
- Northern Goshawk
- Red-tailed Hawk, including Harlan’s variety.
- Rough-legged Hawks
Other Native Raptors
Beyond eagles, owls, and hawks, the center hosts several other fascinating raptor species. Peregrine Falcons, like resident “Pele,” showcases the remarkable speed and precision that make falcons the fastest animals on Earth.
Although ravens, while not traditionally classified as raptors, are included in the rescue program. Their sharp intellect and problem-solving skills make them captivating subjects for learning.
Ready To Book Your Alaska Raptor Center Tour?
- Premium Sitka Tour Visit Silver Bay, Fortress of the Bear, the Raptor Center, and Sitka National Historical Park.
- Amazing Sitka Tour Bears, raptors, and totems with pick up from Harrigan Hall.
- Raptor Dome Experience Watch an 8K breathtaking film and enjoy a presentation by a handler from Sitka’s Alaska Raptor Center.
Supporting The Alaska Raptor Center
This Sitka rescue relies on public support to continue its rehabilitation, education, and research mission. Beyond visiting the center, there are other ways to support their conservation work.
How To Contribute
Becoming a member is one of the best ways to offer ongoing support. Membership fees directly fund the center’s daily operations and long-term projects.
The center welcomes one-time donations which can be made through their website or in person during your visit. Corporate sponsorships represent another vital funding source.
Buy From Their Gift Shop
The Alaska Raptor Center’s gift shop carries a selection of raptor-inspired products supporting their conservation efforts. Every purchase contributes directly to the center’s operational funds.
The shop features educational raptor books, unique artwork, and photography by local artists. Clothing items, including hats, t-shirts, and hoodies with raptor imagery, make great Alaskan souvenirs or gifts.
Specialty items like handcrafted jewelry, ornaments, and home décor provide distinctive mementos of your visit. The shop also stocks sustainable, eco-friendly products that align with the center’s conservation values.
Adopt A Raptor
For a mere USD 75, you can have a special connection with a raptor through the Adopt-a-Raptor program. Whether you pick Jake, the Red-Tailed Hawk, or Thor, a Ketchikan Bald Eagle, you’ll receive an adoption certificate and more information about your bird.
Adoption fees go towards food and daily care, with the added benefit of a 10% discount at the sanctuary’s shop.
Is The Alaska Raptor Center A Must-Visit?
Whether you’re into birds or not, visiting this bird sanctuary lets you see raptors up close. Species like owls are more challenging to view in the wild, so we were thrilled to see them here.
Families with children can enjoy a sanctuary visit since the venue is stroller-friendly and easy to navigate. There are walking trails, and the flight center is a fantastic place that fascinates both young and old.
