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<br /> CASCADES RAPTOR CARE CENTER
<br /> & Environmental Learning Program , . r - '.i. : :' '?:ar
<br /> P.O. Box 5386, Eugene, OR 97405
<br /> (503) 485 -1320
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<br /> BACKGROUND INFORMATION
<br /> WHAT IS CASCADES RAPTOR CARE CENTER?
<br /> CRCC was founded in 1987 and incorporated in 1990. It is a non - profit, tax- exempt, publicly -
<br /> supported 501(c)(3) organization, as described in sections 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of the
<br /> Internal Revenue Code (see IRS Letter of Determination).
<br /> CRCC's MISSION is to preserve a healthy and viable population of birds of prey and other
<br /> wildlife in their natural habitat. To accomplish this, CRCC has two primary goals:
<br /> o Rehabilitation and release of orphaned, sick, and injured wildlife, primarily birds of
<br /> prey (raptors), using the highest standards of medical treatment and care, and the best
<br /> facilities possible within the limits imposed by financial resources.
<br /> o Public education and the publication of literature designed to enhance the awareness,
<br /> respect, appreciation, and care of the earth and all its inhabitants so critical for a
<br /> balanced and healthy planet. CRCC uses live, permanently disabled /non - releasable birds,
<br /> along with slide shows and written material, to create a positive, first -hand experience
<br /> of wildlife in its Environmental Learning Program presentations and exhibits.
<br /> Working with trained and experienced volunteers, as well as veterinarians with many years
<br /> experience in wildlife medicine, CRCC receives an average of over 100 raptors each year (125
<br /> during 1991); well over half are owls and over half of those are hit by cars. Other common •
<br /> problems are hitting windows, tangling in fences, getting caught in leg hold traps, being shot
<br /> or poisoned, or having nest sites disturbed. Excluding those birds which are released,
<br /> euthanized, or die within the first 24 hours, the average stay in rehabilitation is 24 days; the
<br /> release rate varies between 45 and 50% of the total number received and is affected by season
<br /> (e.g., primarily adults vs orphans) or unexplained problems, such as suspected toxins, which can
<br /> affect a number of birds throughout an area. Releasability is determined by the ability of the
<br /> birds to survive in the wild, recognizing and catching food, recognizing and avoiding predators,
<br /> being capable of mating and providing for a mate and family, and migrating, as appropriate.
<br /> Besides the presenting problems of broken bones, concussion, spinal trauma, injured eyes, or
<br /> simply being an orphan, incoming patients are all too frequently suffering from complications
<br /> such as emaciation, systemic infection, osteomylitis, or rickets, poor feathering, or other
<br /> outcome of malnutrition.
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