Buteo Shadows Raptor Center
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Buteo Shadows Raptor Center is a
not-for-profit wildlife center dedicated to
expanding public awareness about Arizona
wildlife, with primary focus on birds of prey
(hawks, owls, vultures, eagles and falcons).
not-for-profit wildlife center dedicated to
expanding public awareness about Arizona
wildlife, with primary focus on birds of prey
(hawks, owls, vultures, eagles and falcons).
Rehabilitation:
When a bird with an illness or injury comes into our care, our
goal is to assist the bird with healing so that it may return to
its rightful place in the wild. Buteo Shadows Raptor Center
works with a network of licensed volunteers and wildlife
centers in the Valley of the Sun, Maricopa, Casa Grande and
Gila Bend areas so that each species is cared for by a
specialist for that species.
We can only release birds that are fully functional following
their medical rehabilitation. Birds that survive their injuries yet
are unable to survive in the wild may assist us with education,
be placed in a breeding program or become foster parents.
When a bird with an illness or injury comes into our care, our
goal is to assist the bird with healing so that it may return to
its rightful place in the wild. Buteo Shadows Raptor Center
works with a network of licensed volunteers and wildlife
centers in the Valley of the Sun, Maricopa, Casa Grande and
Gila Bend areas so that each species is cared for by a
specialist for that species.
We can only release birds that are fully functional following
their medical rehabilitation. Birds that survive their injuries yet
are unable to survive in the wild may assist us with education,
be placed in a breeding program or become foster parents.
Mission:
Our mission at Buteo Shadows Raptor Center is to raise the
awareness of humans to a higher understanding of the
value of our furred, feathered and finned friends, to enable
us all to live cooperatively in the same environment.
Respecting our wildlife returns to us in many ways; most
importantly, without them we cannot exist.
Our mission at Buteo Shadows Raptor Center is to raise the
awareness of humans to a higher understanding of the
value of our furred, feathered and finned friends, to enable
us all to live cooperatively in the same environment.
Respecting our wildlife returns to us in many ways; most
importantly, without them we cannot exist.
Education:
We educate the public by taking birds into classrooms,
children's groups or businesses. If you would like to schedule
a wildlife presentation, give us a call at 520-424-9348.
Wildlife presentations are scheduled from October through
April. We are currently scheduling wildlife presentations
through the early Spring months.
We educate the public by taking birds into classrooms,
children's groups or businesses. If you would like to schedule
a wildlife presentation, give us a call at 520-424-9348.
Wildlife presentations are scheduled from October through
April. We are currently scheduling wildlife presentations
through the early Spring months.
| Buteo Shadows Raptor Center is located in Hidden Valley, southwest of Maricopa. Here's an example of one of the many beautiful sunsets the birds enjoy from the center. Mailing address: Suite C-13, PMB 343 20928 North John Wayne Parkway Maricopa, Arizona 85239 Call us at: 520-424-9348 |
| Photography by Steve Staviski |
About The Center
520-424-9348 (Center) or 480-323-0517 (Cell)
Buteo Shadows Raptor Center was founded by Michiganders Steve Staviski and Cindy
Weisenberg. Cindy's journey with raptors began in 1991 when she volunteered at a
wildlife center in Scottsdale. She helped with rescue & transport and education in the
schools, at businesses and public displays.
Steve, an animal lover and outdoors-man, was taught to respect nature by his step-father,
a full-blooded Chippewa. Perhaps it is because of this gift that animals of all kinds are
drawn to Steve.
In 1996, Steve and Cindy teamed up in Sitka, Alaska at the Alaska Raptor Center. Together
they became certified in eagle handling and physical therapy through an internship
program at the Center. The Raptor Center inspired Steve and Cindy to create a wildlife
center of their own and a dream was born.
While Steve held down the home front in Arizona, Cindy was able to return to the Alaska
Raptor Center in 2004. She became the Summer Coordinator for 11 Interpreters who
served the visitors to the Raptor Center (400,000+ each year between May and September).
After spending a year searching for the right location, Steve and Cindy purchased 2-1/2
acres in Hidden Valley, southwest of Maricopa. It's a quiet place with friendly, helpful
neighbors. The birds have breathtaking views of mountains, open desert and sunsets.
The support Steve and Cindy have received in building Buteo Shadows Raptor Center
has been heart-warming and motivational. A large flight pen and five adjoining mews have
been donated to the center. As soon as the structures are functional and have state and
federal approval, the birds will reside on-site. Currently, birds used in wildlife
presentations are housed off-site at other wildlife centers.
At this time, the aviaries have been disassembled and transported to Maricopa. Volunteers
are needed to reconstruct the aviaries. If you would like to offer your services, visit the
"Contact Us" page or call us at 520-424-9348.
Weisenberg. Cindy's journey with raptors began in 1991 when she volunteered at a
wildlife center in Scottsdale. She helped with rescue & transport and education in the
schools, at businesses and public displays.
Steve, an animal lover and outdoors-man, was taught to respect nature by his step-father,
a full-blooded Chippewa. Perhaps it is because of this gift that animals of all kinds are
drawn to Steve.
In 1996, Steve and Cindy teamed up in Sitka, Alaska at the Alaska Raptor Center. Together
they became certified in eagle handling and physical therapy through an internship
program at the Center. The Raptor Center inspired Steve and Cindy to create a wildlife
center of their own and a dream was born.
While Steve held down the home front in Arizona, Cindy was able to return to the Alaska
Raptor Center in 2004. She became the Summer Coordinator for 11 Interpreters who
served the visitors to the Raptor Center (400,000+ each year between May and September).
After spending a year searching for the right location, Steve and Cindy purchased 2-1/2
acres in Hidden Valley, southwest of Maricopa. It's a quiet place with friendly, helpful
neighbors. The birds have breathtaking views of mountains, open desert and sunsets.
The support Steve and Cindy have received in building Buteo Shadows Raptor Center
has been heart-warming and motivational. A large flight pen and five adjoining mews have
been donated to the center. As soon as the structures are functional and have state and
federal approval, the birds will reside on-site. Currently, birds used in wildlife
presentations are housed off-site at other wildlife centers.
At this time, the aviaries have been disassembled and transported to Maricopa. Volunteers
are needed to reconstruct the aviaries. If you would like to offer your services, visit the
"Contact Us" page or call us at 520-424-9348.
Click on photo to enlarge.
Click on photo to enlarge.
Click on photo to enlarge.
Click on photo to enlarge.
Click on photo to enlarge.