Raptor Refuge Inc.

The Raptor Refuge Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the care, rehabilitation, and conservation of Tasmania’s native birds of prey. Situated on a 20-acre property overlooking Kettering and the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, the Refuge was founded by Craig Webb, a former veterinary nurse who returned to Tasmania and established the facility to support injured and orphaned raptors. The Refuge is renowned for its specialised care and large flight aviaries, which are among the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, designed to help rehabilitate birds and prepare them for release back into the wild.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Raptor Refuge Inc. is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured and orphaned raptors across Tasmania, providing expert care and hope for a second chance at freedom. The organisation is committed to protecting Tasmania’s natural wildlife and raising public awareness about the importance of raptor conservation. Its vision is a future where Tasmania’s raptors thrive in healthy ecosystems, supported by community engagement and education.

Main Objectives

• Rescue and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned birds of prey, including Wedge-tailed Eagles and White-bellied Sea Eagles.
• Release of rehabilitated birds back into their natural habitats whenever possible.
• Education and public awareness through tours, workshops, and school programs to promote conservation efforts.
• Research and monitoring to improve rehabilitation techniques and contribute to raptor conservation knowledge.
• Community involvement by encouraging donations, memberships, and volunteer support to sustain operations.

Benefiting Groups

• Injured and orphaned raptors that receive specialised care and rehabilitation.
• Local communities and visitors who gain education and awareness about raptor species and conservation challenges.
• Conservationists and researchers who benefit from data and insights generated through the Refuge’s work.
• Schools and educators who participate in tailored educational tours and workshops.

Services and Activities

• Rescue operations responding to calls across Tasmania for injured or distressed raptors.
• Flight aviaries for rehabilitation, including three large aviaries purpose-built for flight training.
• Educational tours and workshops such as private walk-and-talk tours, school group visits, and painting or rescue-to-release workshops.
• Public engagement through gift shops, calendars, and membership programs to support conservation funding.
• Community outreach including a hotline for reporting raptors in need and collaboration with local organisations.