RAPTOR REFUGE

FINDING A SAFE HARBOR FOR TASMANIA’S RAPTORS

Tasmania’s towering coastal cliffs, rolling fields and dramatic mountains harbor a wealth of biodiversity found few places on Earth. Historically, raptors have thrived in this wild paradise, with several species of eagles, hawks and owls all securing their own niche amid the region’s varied ecosystems.

But in recent years, Tasmania’s raptors have been losing more and more habitat to agriculture and electrical infrastructure, with wedge-tailed and white-bellied sea eagles being hit particularly hard.

To address this troubling trend, Tasmanian Craig Webb purchased 20 acres outside the coastal enclave of Kettering in 1997, affording these pressured raptors a refuge where they could once again soar. Since then, the Raptor Refuge has worked to reduce negative human impacts by rehabilitating injured, sick and orphaned raptors; educating the public; and supporting habitat conservation.

Far from a zoo or tourist attraction, Raptor Refuge is all about the well-being of these incredible birds of prey. It’s home to three of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest flight rehabilitation aviaries, special spaces where Craig and his team can flight train birds while they recover from injury. The refuge also features an education center that welcomes schools and private groups with engaging workshops for adults and children.

In 2019, A&K Philanthropy partnered with Raptor Refuge to expand the flight rehabilitation aviary, build a special new aviary dedicated to the white-bellied sea eagle, and improve facilities for research and education. Looking forward, the partnership will focus on the construction of a new raptor hospital facility — helping to ensure Tasmania’s wild birds of prey will continue to thrive in this incredible corner of the globe for generations to come.

“I’ve spent years learning everything I could about caring for these birds, and I’m constantly inspired by the support of our partners and visitors. It reinforces that what we do makes a significant difference to these beautiful birds.”
— Craig Webb, Raptor Refuge Founder