Raptor House Rehabilitation Center

There is a treasure in our neighborhood that I didn’t even know about until just the other day. We took our Cupcakes group there Friday after school. If you are new to Hometown Perch you can learn more about the Cupcakes here.

Just a short drive to Selah, off of East Selah Road, at 40 Wise Acre Road you will find the Raptor House Rehabilitation Center. Open one day each month, or by appointment, Raptor House provides a unique experience for all ages. They house owls, Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Harris Hawks and even a blue and gold Macaw.

I have history with a blue and gold Macaw named Poppy who used to reside with my uncle. Dylan and I occasionally house sat for my uncle and his wife and that involved taking care of the bird. Poppy thought it was hilarious to torture me. I was pushed over the edge the day he chased me onto the top of a dining room table, down the hallway and into a bedroom. I slammed the door shut and that damn bird stood outside the door, pacing back and forth, waiting for me to come out. Dylan had to coax Poppy outside so that I could escape safely.  Needless to say, I wasn’t as excited to see the Macaw as our girls were. And he didn’t disappoint them. He was a little stubborn in the beginning (very Poppy-like) but he warmed up and dutifully said “hello”, barked like a dog, clucked like a chicken and made kissing sounds. The girls were thrilled!

What I was most excited about were the gorgeous owls. I seriously wanted to stick this little guy in my pocket and take him home.

The guy below is named Gizmo. Doesn’t he look like Gizmo from the Gremlin’s movie?

Soren is a beautiful Barn Owl.

This cranky Great Horned Owl’s name is Autumn. She has wise looking eyes and an attitude to boot.

Patriot (Bald Eagle) and Hurricane (Golden Eagle) are regal and intimidating in person. Marsha, Raptor House creator and founder, told us that Hurricane was hit by a car. The woman who hit him thought he was a red-tailed hawk. She put Hurricane on her lap and drove home with him there. Luckily for her, he was out cold. After hearing about their sharp, razor-like claws and their strength, I am sure that lady is still thankful for her stroke of good fortune that night.

The two Harris Hawks were ready to go inside. They are from desert climates. The day of our visit was a little too cold for them. As we were winding down our tour, the female Harris Hawk started to pull a leg up into her feathers alternating with the other leg to stay warm. Our girls were also pulling their limbs insides their coats and cuddling up to stay warm.  That’s when we knew it was time to go.

But before we said good-bye, we headed over to see the goats. Who doesn’t love goats? It was a great way to end our tour.

You can learn a lot more by visiting yourself. It’s worth the time and the short drive. Raptor House Rehabilitation Center is sustained through charitable donations. Bring a minimum donation of $5/person for entrance into the facility. This helps them meet the needs of these amazing raptors and any other injured or displaced raptors that may come their way. Raptor House is also in the process of expanding their educational facility. A local Boy Scout has designed an outdoor raptor amphitheater which will be constructed this spring. So, if you can afford a bigger donation, it will be put to good use.

Raptor House Rehabilitation Center

40 Wise Acre Rd

Yakima, WA 98901

Tel: 509-248-5935

Email: raptor@compwrx.com