Corio Raptor Centre

Registered Charity No. 1058990

October 2003

Corio Raptor Care and Rehabilitation is a small, highly specialised centre on the Lancashire/Yorkshire/Cumbria border that has for many years been involved in the care and rehabilitation of birds of prey, otherwise known as raptors.

The Centre operates extensively with organisations such as the RSPCA, local veterinary practices and Lancashire Constabulary. Recently we have been granted Charity status allowing us to hopefully develop into one of the major centres for the care and rehabilitation of raptors in the north west. Each year, many young, orphaned, injured or mistreated birds that are unable to fend for themselves arrive at the Centre. We provide a safe haven for them to continue their development, and, with careful attention, are eventually returned to the wild. Thankfully, the majority after a little care and attention will eventually be returned to their rightful place in the wild. We also have facilities for birds with more serious injuries, that having received veterinary treatment can recuperate in a calm and peaceful environment. These birds are our longer stay patients.

We pride ourselves on the high rate of success in returning these individuals back to their natural habitat. Often we care for exhausted or undernourished birds that, after spending a few days' rest with us are then released. Unfortunately there are many birds which have been so mistreated, either physically or mentally, that they these individuals very often have to spend the rest of their lives with us as they are so psychologically damaged. They are unable to survive in their natural habitat. We do however gain satisfaction as soon as they begin to respond to our care and attention, quickly settling into their new surroundings where they can be assured of comfort and quality of life.

The Centre goes to schools, centres and organisations to talk about native birds, to advise what to do if they are found and where to take them if injured. Thankfully the majority do return back to the wild, but it is a sad fact that in today's world, specialised centres have to exist to care for and rehabilitate birds of prey.

Our Facilities are amongst the best in the North West and include a hospital facility with fully equipped intensive care unit. This gives sick and injured birds a controlled environment with the correct levels of heat and light to aid a successful recovery. This is most important as the first 48 hours are the most critical and it is the attention which the bird receives during this period which will have the most influence on the likelihood of its recovery. It is precisely because we have these facilities and the experience, that organisation such as the RSPCA, RSPB and police entrust so many birds into our care.

If we are to release the birds, they will be kept in seclusion aviaries to avoid any imprinting. These are specially designed to reduce contact with humans to the absolute minimum and help prepare the bird for eventual release. We also have a number of hacking aviaries in carefully selected locations throughout the region. These act as a kind of 'half-way house' where birds destined to be released in s suitable habitat may spend their last time in captivity well away from human contact and gives them the opportunity to adjust to their new surroundings.

Our aviaries are purpose designed, offering the birds the optimum amount of space, minimum disturbance and as natural a surrounding as is possible. For instance all our aviaries contain swinging perches to replicate the motion of tree branches - vital if a bird is to be released. It is little touches like this which only comes with experience, but which increase our costs.

For a High Resolution Image click on any thumbnail

What to do if you find an injured bird

Do

• Make sure it's in a safe place, away from any further disturbance.
• Check to see if there's any young around Call the RSPCA or RSPB. The Police will be able to give you their number

Don't

• Move it unless it's absolutely vital.
• Attempt to give it food or water.
• Move young birds. Their parents are probably close by.

Whilst we try and rehabilitate as many of our birds as possible, some birds are so badly injured, or unable to care for themselves that release is impossible. We are therefore committed to making their stay with us as comfortable and as natural as possible, but this of course takes a great deal of time and money.

Would you like to help our birds? You can help us continue to care for our sick and injured raptors in several ways.

• Sponsor a Bird
  A small amount can make a big difference to the quality of life of our raptors, and you'll receive a photo and certifcate as a thank you for your help - an ideal gift. All the money goes directly to your bird and will be mainly used for food, treatment and making sure that your bird enjoys the best possible quality of life.
• Business Sponsorship
  There are many ways business can help our birds, benefit from great photo opportunities and motivate staff into the bargain. Contact the centre for an initial discussion.
• Education
  We will be more than happy to bring along some of our birds to your school and give a memorable, entertaining and educational presentation. We do not charge for this service, but any donations which would contribute towards expenses would be most welcome.
• Donations
  Financial assistance is vital if we are to continure offering high standards of care and rehabilitation for our raptors. Numbers - and costs - are increasing every year and we can only exist through the goodwill and assistance of our supporters. Please consider a donation, now matter how small. All funds will be used to help give these unfortunate birds the best possible chance of recovery and return to their natural environment, or the best possible quality of life in our centre.
• Help in Kind
  The centre always needs food and shelter for its residents. We also need materials, equipment and assistance with travel to recover and release our birds, and to help spread the message. If you can offer a product or service which may be of use, please contact the centre.

website : Corio Raptor

email : info@raptor.org.uk

For a High Resolution Image click on any thumbnail

All photographs by CragFace

For a High Resolution Image click on any thumbnail

Search the photo
gallery

Links

Corio Raptor

WWGBP

Cornish BoP Centre

Index

Viewing Tips

Suffolk Owl Sactuary

Peregrine Fund

YARAK

Critter Aid