323 Lester Road, Apopka, Florida 32712, United States
Avian Reconditioning Center's Mission
The Avian Reconditioning Center (ARC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation resource in Apopka, FL. Since 2001, ARC has realized its mission through dedication to raptor rehabilitation, education, research, and falconry, thereby increasing public awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of Florida’s magnificent raptors and the natural habitats in which they live. We raise nestlings with surrogate parents, rehabilitate injured raptors, release healthy raptors back to the wild, and provide a permanent home for those who would not survive on their own.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation
ARC specializes in the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned birds of prey. We received nearly 1,000 birds of prey in just four years. 2023 was our busiest year with 237 birds admitted and 138 birds released. We are proud of our 58% release rate as the dangers to wildlife increase from habitat loss and use of poisons, such as rodenticide.
Education
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation
Educating our community about birds of prey and what we can do to protect wildlife and wild places is one of the most critical parts of our mission. In 2023, we reached almost 6,000 people through 59 education programs, our special events, and Saturdays at ARC. Our education impact extends online through social media, reaching people throughout the United States and other countries.
falconry
Rehabilitation
falconry
At ARC, falconry serves as a tool to help rehabilitate birds of prey when traditional rehabilitation techniques have not fully rehabilitated the bird. We also teach people about the sport of falconry through our new program at ARC. Our Falconry Experiences welcome guests to handle select birds in a personal, private encounter.
Avian Reconditioning Center's Founders
Carol
Carol
Carol
Carol is a Certified Veterinary Technician. She was introduced to birds of prey while attending school and obtained her first rehabilitation permit in 1986. Carol worked at another bird of prey rehabilitation center for 10 years where she met her husband Scott. Together, they fell more in love with birds of prey and opened the Avian Recon
Carol is a Certified Veterinary Technician. She was introduced to birds of prey while attending school and obtained her first rehabilitation permit in 1986. Carol worked at another bird of prey rehabilitation center for 10 years where she met her husband Scott. Together, they fell more in love with birds of prey and opened the Avian Reconditioning Center to share their love for these magnificent birds with our community.
Scott
Carol
Carol
Scott is a Master Falconer. He has practiced falconry since he was 14 years old and began working professionally as a falconer in the 1990s. He specialized in abatement and trained birds for shows. Now, Scott uses falconry to rehabilitate birds of prey with his wife Carol and leads flight demonstrations at the Avian Reconditioning Center.
Scott is a Master Falconer. He has practiced falconry since he was 14 years old and began working professionally as a falconer in the 1990s. He specialized in abatement and trained birds for shows. Now, Scott uses falconry to rehabilitate birds of prey with his wife Carol and leads flight demonstrations at the Avian Reconditioning Center. He sponsored staff and volunteers to become falconers, keeping this ancient sport and unique rehabilitation technique alive.