ABOUT US
Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education is a 501(c)3 non-profit, volunteer run, Federal & State licensed organization dedicated to rehabilitation of injured, sick and orphaned birds of prey with the goal of returning healthy birds back to the wild. We also focus on educating the public about wildlife, conservation, ecology and habitats in the forum of utilizing "live" birds of prey and other biological tools. We are passionate about protecting these magnificent birds and educating the community about the importance of their preservation.
Our team is committed to providing the highest level of care for injured and orphaned raptors, ensuring their safe return to the wild. Through our specialized programs, we aim to inspire a love for wildlife and foster a sense of responsibility towards the environment and its inhabitants.
PURPOSE
Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education is a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit organization. The purpose for which this corporation is organized is:
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To rescue and/or receive and rehabilitate injured, sick or orphaned birds of prey (hawks, owls, falcons, eagles, osprey, and kites), provide a safe haven for healing with the goal of releasing healthy birds back to the wild.
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Use “live” non-releasable birds as a vehicle to educate in various public arenas including, but not limited to, schools, festivals, scouts, environmental fairs, nursing homes, Native American gatherings and pow wows, civic organizations, corporations, and family events with a strong emphasis on natural history, ecology, habitat, environment, and conservation.
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Restoration of Osprey species, which is on the Threatened Species List in Illinois. We have partnered with ComEd/Exelon, county forest preserves, businesses, and private landowners. We are building the nesting platforms, and ComEd/Exelon is donating the utility poles, as well as installation of the poles with the platforms attached.
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American Kestrel box distribution. American Kestrels (smallest falcon) are declining nationwide, and our hope is to be proactive in helping to keep their numbers stable in Illinois and hopefully increase their numbers in the future.
Our History
My name is Candy Ridlbauer, and I have always had a passion for wildlife. All my life, starting in early childhood with my family and then into adulthood I have been involved in camping, hiking, paddling, birding, etc. An opportunity came about in 1997 to work with birds of prey on a volunteer basis at the Regional Environmental Center located in the Pecatonica Forest Preserve in Illinois. The person I mentored under was a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, a math and science teacher, a master falconer, etc. There, and at many wildlife rehabilitation conferences and workshops such as fluid and medication therapy, fracture immobilization, wound management, suturing and radiology workshops, as well as networking with other professionals in the field, I acquired the skills necessary for raptor rehabilitation. At the same center, we had educational birds of prey that were used in daily programs for field trips from area schools. I took care of the daily needs of these feathered ambassadors and mastered handling for education purposes.
After a couple of years I applied for and was granted state and federal permits for wildlife rehabilitation. A couple of years after that, I applied for and was granted state and federal permits for possession of live birds, dead specimens, as well as endangered species permits. In all, I have 8 state and federal permits, including now a Bald Eagle permit.
The center eventually closed. From there, the nonprofit Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education was formed by me and my husband, Steve. Our mission is to rehabilitate sick, injured, and/or orphaned hawks, owls, falcons, eagles, osprey and kites with the goal of releasing healthy birds back to the wild. We use holistic/alternative methods of treatment such as homeopathy and Tellington Touch, as well as traditional methods of treatment with the help of incredible local vets. We belong to national and international wildlife rehabilitation organizations in addition to Wisconsin and Illinois wildlife rehabilitation organizations and other organizations related to avian training, maintenance, falconry, etc.
We have many non-releasable permanent birds of prey who are raptor ambassadors representing their species in our educational programs either here or in outreach. These same birds will sometimes take on the role of foster parenting of orphans. Our education programs are presented to schools, civic organizations, youth groups, nursing homes, nature centers, festivals, corporate organizations and others to promote education and understanding of raptors, their habitat, the roles they play in nature and in our lives, and what we can do to ensure these magnificent creatures will be here for future generations. Our website is northernillinoisraptor.org.
Northern Illinois Raptor Rehabilitation and Education Center was founded in 2004 and became a nonprofit organization in 2008.
OUR WORK
At Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education, we are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of native birds of prey. Our team provides specialized care for injured and orphaned raptors, ensuring their successful return to their natural habitat. Through our interactive educational programs, we strive to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and the vital role these majestic birds play in maintaining ecological balance. Our commitment to wildlife preservation drives our efforts to inspire environmental stewardship and foster a deeper connection between people and nature.
Permits and Organizations:
We have been granted state and federal permits for rehabilitation, as we as possessing non-releasable birds for the use of education.
We are members of: