Cherokee Flats is proud to support two premier organizations dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of North American birds of prey: the World Bird Sanctuary and the Illinois Raptor Center.

Both organizations work tirelessly to provide medical care to injured birds and educate the public on the vital role these predators play in our ecosystem.

World Bird Sanctuary

Located on 305 acres in Valley Park, Missouri, the World Bird Sanctuary is one of North America's largest facilities for bird conservation. Founded in 1977, it focuses on preserving biological diversity through:

  • Rehabilitation: Their on-site hospital treats hundreds of sick and injured raptors annually.  

     

  • Education: They offer seasonal shows and guided tours to help visitors connect with nature.  

     

  • Propagation: The sanctuary has been instrumental in breeding programs that helped delist species like the Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon.

Illinois Raptor Center

Based in Decatur, Illinois, the Illinois Raptor Center is a 25-acre wildlife rehabilitation and education facility. They specialize in the rescue and care of native Illinois species, including hawks, owls, and eagles. Key aspects of their work include:  

  • Wildlife Hospital: A professional medical facility dedicated to treating injured birds with the goal of releasing them back into the wild.

  • Research: They partner with academic institutions to study wildlife health, including critical research on lead poisoning in raptors.  

     

  • Interactive Learning: While not a traditional zoo, they offer Personal Raptor Experiences where individuals can learn about these birds up close in a controlled, educational setting.

Both the World Bird Sanctuary and the Illinois Raptor Center rely heavily on community support to continue their rescue, rehabilitation, and education efforts. Here are several ways you can help:

1. Financial Contributions & Memberships

Direct donations are the most flexible way to support daily operations, from buying medical supplies to maintaining animal enclosures.

  • Donate Directly: You can make one-time or recurring gifts to the World Bird Sanctuary or the Illinois Raptor Center.

  • Become a Member: The World Bird Sanctuary offers membership levels that include perks like free admission and discounts at their gift shop.

  • Symbolic Adoptions: You can "adopt" a specific resident bird at the World Bird Sanctuary, which helps cover the annual cost of their food and care.

2. Hands-on Volunteering

If you live near Valley Park, MO, or Decatur, IL, you can donate your time and skills.  

  • Hospital & Husbandry: Volunteers assist with cleaning enclosures, preparing diets, and helping at the wildlife hospital.

  • Skilled Labor: The "Tuesday Crew" at World Bird Sanctuary is a group of retired tradespeople (carpenters, electricians, etc.) who keep the facility running.

  • Education & Events: Help with public events, guided tours, or children's crafts at either the World Bird Sanctuary or the Illinois Raptor Center.

3. Essential Supplies

Both centers maintain lists of specific items they need to care for their birds and maintain their grounds.

Giving Back: Supporting the World Bird Sanctuary & Illinois Raptor Center

At Cherokee Flats, our commitment to avian conservation goes beyond advocacy; we believe in providing the tangible resources these birds need to thrive. As a local breeder, we support the World Bird Sanctuary and the Illinois Raptor Center by donating high-quality protein sources for their resident and recovering birds.

We have a long history of standing behind these incredible organizations. Our partnership with the World Bird Sanctuary began in 2005, and we were thrilled to expand our outreach by beginning donations to the Illinois Raptor Center in 2024.

Because raptors require a specialized, nutrient-dense diet, our contributions help offset the significant food costs these facilities incur. In 2025, Cherokee Flats donated over $1,200 in food to the World Bird Sanctuary and over $800 in food to the Illinois Raptor Center.

By providing these essential supplies, we help ensure that more of their funding can be directed toward critical medical treatments, surgery, and educational programs that inspire the next generation of conservationists.