Our mission is to inspire the public to embrace principles of good stewardship, engage in scientific discovery, and be immersed in the riches of history and culture by connecting with the most powerful birds in the world.
Rise Raptor Project (RISE), based in North Alabama, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation founded for the purpose of teaching the principles of good stewardship, sound science, conservation, history, and culture. Raptors (birds of prey) provide a unique avenue by which to communicate these principles in a memorable and meaningful way. We offer programs on a low cost basis, allowing us to reach thousands of people. RISE travels anywhere we are asked, and presents 50-85 presentations annually. We believe all people regardless of social or economic status should have these principles integrated into their lives and character in order to achieve their full potential. As a result of this policy we operate on a donation basis.
International Collaboration : Connecting Japan with the United States with Eagles
The people of Alabama have benefitted from government, business, and personal relationships with one of the USA’s greatest allied nations, Japan. RISE is collaborating with one of the best conservation rehabilitation, and research facilities in the world located in Kushiro, Hokkaido: Institute for Raptor Biomedicine Japan. As a result of this relationship, Japan will be sending RISE one of their non-releasable White Tailed Eagles. The White Tailed Eagle is considered one of Japan’s national treasures. This eagle will become one of our education ambassadors and participate in research for captive propagation. New education programs will include conservation issues currently facing eagles worldwide, as well as aspects of history and Japanese culture. This eagle will not only be an ambassador for its wild relatives and our environment, but it will be a unique and special ambassador of the Japanese people. We hope to develop long term relationships between Huntsville, Alabama and Kushiro, Hokkaido elementary schools as a result of this cultural exchange. One goal is to work with the children of Kushiro to name the new eagle. RISE is currently working with Japanese government ministries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services in finalizing this transfer. Fund raising proceeds will be applied to expenses of transporting the eagle to the USA and the construction of a new eagle facility.
RISE is considering further work to establish several pairs of non-releasable White Tailed Eagles in a captive propagation program in Huntsville. This effort would result in continued eagle propagation research and education. Since the White Tailed Eagle is considered vulnerable/endangered in Japan, offspring would be sent back to Hokkaido to replace those birds lost due to injury. This work will require outside financial support.
The Rise Raptor Project Team
Curt Cearley – Executive Director, Principle Founder, Educator / Master Falconer, Raptor rehabilitation, research lead
Stephanie Kern – Avian rehabilitation expert, songbird specialty, educator, legal specialist
Lindsey Wilmer – Educator, rehabilitation expert – water fowl specialty
Tim Gels – Educator, Educator for State of Alabama
Robin Harris – Educator, assistant raptor training, equine behavior and training specialist
Christina Turner – Educator for State of Alabama, assistant raptor trainer, handler
Dan Meyer – World class performer sword swallower, Guinness World Record holder, entertainer, and motivational public speaker
Morgan Harker – Junior educator, assistant, raptor handler
Lorelei McElroy – Junior educator, assistant, raptor handler
5638 Highway 53, STE B-276, Harvest, AL 35749
Curt Cearley – Executive Director
www.riseraptor.org
www.facebook.com/riseraptorproject
info@riseraptor.org
256-270-4811
