LA COUNTY PARKS CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF THE SAN DIMAS RAPTOR RESCUE AT SAN DIMAS CANYON NATURE CENTER ON JULY 20
The rescue center aims to rehabilitate 250 animals annually
SAN DIMAS, Calif. (July 20, 2024) – Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation is proud to announce the grand opening of the “County of Los Angeles San Dimas Raptor Rescue,” held today at the San Dimas Canyon Nature Center. This rescue facility will help address the critical need for wildlife care in the east portion of Los Angeles County. The center is poised to rehabilitate 250 injured or orphaned raptors, making a significant impact on the conservation of these majestic birds of prey.
The grand opening celebration was an opportunity for the community to come together and learn about the vital work being done to rehabilitate and reintroduce injured or orphaned raptors back into their natural habitat. This event also marked the launch of the donor campaign which will help support the rescue center.
“The County of Los Angeles San Dimas Raptor Rescue is a game changer for native species, giving them a second chance at life. By offering vital rehabilitation services and connecting people with wildlife, we are enhancing biodiversity, increasing public appreciation, and strengthening the bond between people and nature,” said Norma E. García-González, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation.
“Hawks, owls and other raptors are a majestic sight across all our urban and rural skies in Los Angeles County. But sometimes they’re orphaned, sick or injured and need our help,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “I’m proud that our County is stepping up to provide raptors the care they need to thrive in the wild. The San Dimas Raptor Rescue professional rehabilitative staff will heal these incredible native birds and release them back to the wild where they belong.”
Supervisor Barger provided seed funding of $200,000 to establish the center and cover initial costs. The rescue center will offer educational opportunities, connect the community to nature and contribute to the health and sustainability of natural ecosystems.
For decades, various non-profit organizations have rehabilitated sick, injured, and orphaned California native raptors. However, the recent closure of several facilities, including Wild Wings of California, has left over 250 birds of prey without assistance. The sole remaining wildlife rehabilitation center in the County is located more than 1 ½ hours away in Calabasas, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
As part of the grand opening festivities, attendees had the unique opportunity to witness the release of the first rehabilitated hawk, symbolizing the success and impact of the County of Los Angeles San Dimas Raptor Rescue. This momentous occasion will serve as a reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation and the tireless efforts to protect and preserve our birds of prey.
The grand opening was held Saturday, July 20 at 10 am at the County of Los Angeles San Dimas Raptor Rescue located at the San Dimas Canyon Nature Center, 1628 N. Sycamore Canyon Road in San Dimas, Calif.
To learn more about the County of Los Angeles San Dimas Raptor Rescue and to donate to the program, please visit the Los Angeles County Parks Foundation website at lacpf.org
