In 1984, The Peregrine Fund consolidated its operations and established the World Center for Birds of Prey on a scenic hilltop in Boise, Idaho. The 580-acre campus consists of:
- Business offices of The Peregrine Fund
- Breeding facilities for endangered birds of prey
- Velma Morrison Interpretive Center
- Herrick Collections Building, which houses:
Research and captive breeding
The center’s research facilities are designed to enhance the health, reproduction, and reintroduction efforts of endangered species and to collect information about the general biology of raptors. The science is focused on understanding how diet, aging, and environment affect the health, growth, reproduction and lifespan of the birds. The organization’s propagation program played a critical role in the successful recovery of the Peregrine Falcon, which was removed from the U.S. Endangered Species List in 1999.
The organization currently breeds endangered California Condors and Aplomado Falcons at the World Center for Birds of Prey. The condors are released to the wild in northern Arizona; Aplomado Falcon chicks are released to the wild in Texas and New Mexico. Captive birds in the breeding facility are monitored by video, which allows the collection of detailed behavioral information. Studies on disease, contaminants, nutrition, and genetics help biologists evaluate problems facing birds in the wild.
Education
The Peregrine Fund made the world of birds of prey more accessible to the public at the Velma Morrison Interpretive Center, established in 1994. The facility features interactive displays, multi-media shows, and live demonstrations with hawks, falcons, eagles and owls. Visitors may observe live California Condors, a Harpy Eagle and other birds of prey. The environmental education program has three components: general public, school-endorsed programs, and outreach. All three use live raptors as an avenue for promoting conservation of birds of prey and their habitat. The interpretive center draws approximately 30,000 visitors annually.
Library and Archives
Completed in 2002, the Gerald D. and Kathryn S. Herrick Collections Building provides space for The Peregrine Fund’s research library, scientific specimen collections, and the Archives of Falconry.
The Research Library collections include more than 20,000 books and monographs and full or partial runs of more than 1,400 technical journals and conservation magazines, newsletters, videos, CDs and maps. The library’s Global Raptor Information Network (GRIN) is an online service that provides encyclopedia-style species accounts of diurnal hawks, eagles and falcons, connects raptor researchers and conservation organizations through a global communications network, and posts information on research findings and raptor conservation issues. The library’s specimen collections include more than 13,000 eggshells and nearly 300 avian study skins for use by researchers.
The Archives of Falconry includes falconry equipment and memorabilia, artwork, field notes, and a substantial media collection on the ancient sport of falconry. Modern falconers were instrumental in organizing the successful recovery effort of the once-endangered Peregrine Falcon. The Archives of Falconry’s extensive library consists of 1,800 books on falconry, including some originals dating to 1495. The archives doubled in size in 2006 with a 3,000-square-foot addition donated by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to honor his father, the founding president of the United Arab Emirates. The new wing displays an authentic Arab tent, memorabilia, and displays related to the ancient tradition of Middle Eastern falconry.
We hope you will visit.
October Flight Demonstrations
Watch falcons, hawks, and eagles display their amazing flight skills outdoors at 1:30 p.m. (weather permitting) Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October.
Hours
Winter hours (November – February):
10 am – 4 pm Tuesday through Sunday
(closed Mondays during winter hours)
Summer hours (March – October) :
9 am – 5 pm daily
Admissions
- General $7
- Seniors (age 62 +) $6
- Youth (ages 4 – 16) $5
- Free to members and children under age 4
- Reduced rates for advanced booking of large groups
Map and Driving Directions
View Larger Map
From I-84, take Cole Road exit and continue south on Cole Road for 6 miles to Flying Hawk Lane.
Our history
A detailed history of The Peregrine Fund and The World Center for Birds of Prey is available here
Rescue of injured birds of prey
The World Center for Birds of Prey is not a rehabilitation facility for injured birds.
One of the primary missions of the World Center for Birds of Prey is the propagation of critically endangered species. Due to the necessity of maintaining a disease-free environment for these raptors, we cannot bring wild birds into our facilities. Therefore, we generally are not able to be involved in the rehabilitation of injured wild raptors.
There are many qualified individuals in our area who specialize in the rescue and rehabilitation of injured birds of prey. If you find a raptor in need of medical treatment, we suggest you contact Cathie Havlina at Treasure Valley Raptor Rescue: (208) 336-1218
Where is the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey Conservation Area?
The Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area is an area south of Kuna, Idaho that is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
BLM: Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area
Combined Federal Campaign # 10639
