At Raptor Education Group, Inc., REGI, we hold special purpose permits from the USFWS for all of our educational birds. We comply with strict federal housing and care standards set forth by the USFWS and the Department of Natural Resources of the State of Wisconsin.

The birds are themselves incredible teachers. They serve their species well by increasing respect and awareness not only about the individual species, but also the environment, all of nature, and the impact of humans on nature and the environment. REGI presentations highlight the natural history of the birds we work with. We focus on behavior, habitat, and nutritional needs of each bird. We want our audience to understand how each educational bird came to us and why it cannot be released. Our hope is to allow every member of the public to find responsible ways to be a part of the solution to alleviate wildlife woes.

All of the birds held under our special purpose/educational permits are not releasable. Many have been injured and are no longer able to survive in the wild. Some of our birds have been raised illegally and are imprinted to humans. These birds no longer understand how to find food and shelter for themselves.

Our educational birds are not pets. They are instead our partners in education. The birds are our partners in education. Raptors are very intelligent, long lived, and share social behaviors that humans find familiar. They frequently mate for life, mating again only after their mate dies. Raptors are amazing parents. Both parents play an active role in incubating and raising their young. They recognize their youngsters long after the chicks are fledged from the nest.

We at REGI work hard to maintain our partners with dignity and respect. We make sure they are comfortable with their jobs as teachers. The birds have strong bonds with their handlers. This kind of interaction is important to these pair-oriented species. Our premise is that since their options for a normal life in the wild no longer exist, it is our responsibility as their caretakers to do our very best to make their lives as enriched and full as we can.