The Raptor Trust is fantastic and so necessary!! We started visiting several years ago and always love the experience. It's very educational and a must for children especially, but all ages can enjoy it. Donations are definitely put to good use and much needed to help all of the birds in their care. In June, I found an injured flicker on the side of a busy road, picked it up and took it straight to the Raptor Trust. They took her in immediately, and the process was so simple. I was very relieved that I had a place like Raptor Trust to take her. I was able to follow her progress on line. Unfortunately, she died a few days later, but I was still glad I took her there. Much better than leaving the poor thing on the side of the road with cars whizzing by. Thank you, Raptor Trust, for the care you give all birds and thanks for being there in case of emergencies!!
My husband and I discovered The Raptor Trust when we moved to the area in the late 1980s and were canoeing in the Great Swamp. We became friends with Len and Diane Soucy, who generously gave us behind the scenes tours whenever we visited. It was amazing the see the staff at work, tirelessly feeding and caring for the injured birds. We saw first hand how the Soucys sacrificed their personal life and devoted it to saving God's feathered creatures. It's been wonderful, seeing Chris take the helm and continue growing TRT into a world class organization. We began donating from our first visit, and I have been doing so to this day - almost 40 years - even though I no longer live in in NJ.
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In the 1980s, I lived in New Jersey near The Raptor Trust and frequently would visit there, getting to know Len and Diane Soucy quite well, along with the wonderful work they were doing to rehab our feathered friends. I particularly enjoyed the behind-the-scenes tours the Soucys always were willing to provide. Since moving to the Adirondacks in Northern NY in 2000, I continue to support the work of TRT and visit whenever I return to NJ. It is rewarding to see how Chris Soucy is following in his parents' footsteps and furthering the mission of this wonderful organization.
The care and attention provided by the team at TRT is unparalleled. Their willingness to help all birds that need assistance is such a valuable resource for the community of individuals that want to help the natural world. In addition to all the work they do every day to help injured and orphaned birds, they provide education and resources to the community. I have had only great experiences in dealing with the Raptor Trust, whether through tours, lectures, or rescuing birds.
Pristine grounds and birds cared for by serious scientists. Love this place. We’ve brought two injured birds and knew they would be cared for fairly. I share this with my kids and love it.
Raptor Trust has given me useful information when I encounter an injured bird, and has provided care for those that I have brought in. They are doing wonderful work, in a world where more and more birds are injured every day. Thank you, Raptor Trust for the good you are doing !
I first found TRT when my friend and I saw an owl get hit by a car. They took it in and it made a full recovery! He was released into the wild successfully. Now I love to visit TRT and look at all the birds there
A morning dove, nest destroyed then attacked by a dog. TRT to the rescue, they took care of the bird till it recovered and released it back in the wild.
A juvenile Red Tail trapped in the corner of my fence.
The Raptor Trust to the rescue. They dispatched a local team to respond and free the large bird without injury.
Our family loves what TRT is doing for birds and our community. We love to walk around the facility and to support the organization. We had to ask for help once or twice over the years with injured birds that we found and both birds recovered and we're returned to the wild. We're lucky to have this so close to our home
My family and I frequent the Raptor Trust often. Not only do they provide an incredible service to the community by rehabilitating wild birds they also have great educational resources. The staff are incredibly helpful and the times I have brought them a winged patient I can trust that bird is getting the best care available. The Raptor Trust is a true treasure of New Jersey.
They've taken in numerous injured birds that found their way to me. Sometimes I felt silly, but compelled to drive the helpless little birds or even a goose there where they always made me feel welcome and that I made the right choice.
You can see the passion immediately in walking in the door.
I loved that they put in a system to be informed about its progress, which showed me that not all were able to be saved, but that they sure did try hard with heart there.
What a gem in the heart of a swamp.
I found an English sparrow that was hurt. A highly abundant and invasive species. But it was *my* bird and I hoped it could be helped. It was. TRT took in my sparrow and did everything possible to care for it. My sparrow didn't make it but not for TRT's lack of trying.
Every time my husband and I visit the staff are cheerful and friendly and working hard. The cages are always clean and well supplied with toys (toys for birds!). We donate to TRT every year and wish we could do more. It's a creditable environmental non-profit that actually makes a measurable positive impact.
-- Dot and Frank Stillinger
I've filled a few different roles with this organization, bringing in my first injured bird in 2016 and then becoming a volunteer, intern, and eventually seasonal staff. From being on both sides of it, TRT is a wonderful organization inside and out. Publicly, they put so much heart into their education, both through their education programs and how they speak with individuals who bring in an injured bird. I was lucky enough to see what goes on internally and, let me tell you, from the volunteers to the permanent staff, everyone is incredibly passionate about delivering the best possible care to NJ's injured wildlife. There is immense thought put into every detail of those birds' care to give them the best chance at recovery. I have never met a more dedicated group of people. Rain, sleet, or snow, they're out there in the Great Swamp battling road closures, downed power lines, and flooding so they can put those birds first. You'll never meet a better group of people.
The Raptor Trust has been there for us over the years whenever we find birds in distress. One time, they rehabilitated a House Sparrow that we rescued. Another time, they tried valiantly to save a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, but the bird had too much internal damage and was humanely euthanized. Most recently, we took them 4 House Wren babies that the parents had rejected, and we are so happy to report that 3 of the 4 wrens were successfully released back into the wild. It is such a comfort to know that there are people who truly care about wildlife and will do whatever they can to help. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Raptor Trust, and every single staff member and volunteer who work tirelessly to help save lives.
I found a nestling on the sidewalk a couple months ago, it was still alive so my mom and I rushed it over to The Raptor Trust with no appointment. They took the baby bird immediately into their care and let me know it was a chipping sparrow. I am so grateful to them for saving wildlife and being available for drop offs from the public. I believe it incentivizes more people to save lives. Thank you!
I first visited TRT over a decade ago with my Environmental Science class at CCM and I and the other professors visit every semester. Everyone always loves seeing and learning about the birds. The fact that they've helped so many thousands of injured or orphaned birds over the years is amazing. I've since visited with friends and family and volunteered in the past. They are an amazing organization with amazing people
Love this organization and its mission. We visited TRT and really enjoyed seeing the rescued birds on their rehabilitation journey. The staff truly cares about these animals too. A wonderful and educational place to visit and donate to.
The work that Raptor Trust does is so important because there are very few rescue organizations for birds. Their transparency with what donations are used for is great. I support them monthly.
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I think so highly of Raptor Trust that I support them with a monthly donation. The work they do in rescuing and rehabbing birds is invaluable. When you see all the birds they rescue and save, it is amazing.
I have been visiting The Raptor Trust for over 35 years and what they do to help our feathered friends never ceases to amaze me. Every person I've taken there for a visit is equally impressed. The gift center is perfect for gifts for all ages, especially the younger sector. There are wonderful books, some with audio discs to get them excited and educated about raptors and the need for their protection.
I had found a baby bird in my Essex county backyard. This poor little soul was crying and had a cat circling around so I scooped it up. Then began the upsetting task of trying to find help. My veterinarian recommended that I contact " The Raptor Trust" . A very nice gentleman answered the phone even though it was late and told me to bring the baby to their facility. He came right out, introduced himself, identified the bird as a baby robin. He assured me it will be taken care of until release and invited me to tour the place during the day.
I went back and was amazed and delighted at the mission of RT! This non-profit is Priceless!
I had an injured woodpecker in my yard and no idea where to take it. An internet search found TST and I made an appointment to bring the little fellow in. To complicate things, we were still living with covid. Respecting protocols everyone I spoke with was helpful and more importantly passionate about seeing my little guy fly again. I thought "It's only a little woodpecker not an osprey, eagle or hawk" but their immediate reception to him was caring and professional. While I hope not to have to return there again with an injured bird, I will always support the people who care for them.
you have to visit TRT to understand how valuable it is. I enjoy visiting the birds and , my grandchildren look forward to visiting their favorite ambassadors.
The Raptor Trust does a great job rehabbing birds, and also has great education programs for the public. I took and owl there some years ago, it was rehabbed and I got to release it near where it was found.
The Raptor Trust has been a strong part of our family tradition for many years. We often visit the birds and and participate in the many family friendly educational events. The staff are always incredibly hospitable, knowledgable and the work they all contribute to preserving and conserving our winged friends is inspiring. I am a huge promoter of the Raptor Trust and those who experience it for the first time often tell me that they feel more connected to New Jersey and their visit was a catalyst to learn more about the local flora and fauna. The Raptor Trust deserves all the support necessary to continue making miracles happen one bird at a time.
They are a godsend for injured wild birds. They have saved so many raptors. I don't know what we'd do without them and their wonderful staff and volunteers.
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I have worked with The Raptor Trust for years. They have saved so many raptors that I and others have entrusted in their care -- not to mention all the other birds! I even brought them a Black Skimmer once,a nd they rehabbed it
Great people. Here's a video of them releasing an endangered Red-shoulder nestling that a friend and I helped rescue.
I've taken several birds to TRT over the years for care and rehabilitation. We have also attended classes and special events such as the Owl Prowl. TRT is the best of the best!
We found a female duck unable to fly . Took her to the Raptor Trust and they took her in immediately
and after medical care released her to the wild. They NEVER asked for a donation when I brought her in and treated her back to health.
And yes....I did make a contribution voluntarily and continue to make donations to a great organization.
I have been a donor to The Raptor Trust for 30+ years. Their dedication and success with rehabilitating birds and educating the public are truly outstanding. They must also be commended for their financial stewardship and integrity. Not one dollar is wasted or spent unnecessarily.
In over 30 years in which have visited The Raptor Trust, I have never met a more dedicated team who works tirelessly to aid anything with wings. They have helped tens of thousands of birds (and probably more) over the years, and are willing to educate anyone who stops by to visit their "avian ambassadors " who cannot leave because of severe injuries. They tend to that particular flock with much love.
Their goal is to rehabilitate and release everyone who is brought there, although that's not always possible.
It's a wonderful learning experience for children and adults.
I'd donated to The Raptor Trust long before visiting the center itself earlier this year to bring them an injured bird. I was so impressed that, shortly afterwards, I became a volunteer to contribute more to this wonderful organization and its life saving work. With time, I've become more and more impressed with and learned much from the amazing, loving, and knowledgeable staff and their heartfelt expert work to save and rehabilitate wild birds of all sizes, from the smallest sparrow to the largest raptor. My volunteer day is a highlight in my week! Their education programs are terrific, especially for children. I'm currently sponsoring the rehabilitation of 3 rescued baby red-tailed hawks and looking forward to their release back to the wild when they're ready. I'm honored to support The Raptor Trust, its incredible staff and their work, and, of course, all the birds! Please donate to help The Raptor Trust continue their amazing work! Even a small donation when you bring in a rescued bird helps more than you can imagine!
Proof s in the results provided by The Raptor Trust. As stewards of our feathered friends, it's critical for us, as a community, to have a local place providing bird medical treatments and an educational center for all ages to learn about these majestic creatures. TRT is a perfect place to explore the many "House" feathered friends for a family day trip. Highly recommend.
The raptor trust is an amazing organization with years of success in rehabilitating wild birds. Staff are always friendly and it’s fun to go see the non-releasable birds.
I am so moved by the Raptor Trust. These magnificent birds are just living their lives and they wind up subjected to cars, poison lead, wires, guns, etc. Such kind hearts TRT has to take in these birds and heal them back to their natural lives as much as possible.
Long live The Raptor Trust!
I have rescued a number of injured or orphaned birds because I think they all deserve a chance for a good life. I thank the Raptor Trust with all my heart for continuing to be one of a very few organizations in N.J. that provides so much help and compassion. Before I retired I was able to convince the large company where I was employed to spread requests for volunteers at Raptor Trust. Unfortunately being on a limited fixed income now I can't afford to donate much, but encourage others who can to please help anyway possible.
I have been a volunteer, donor and Board member (or all three) at various times for this organization for over 30 years. From its founders to the current ED, staff and dedicated volunteers, it has always been the best bird rehab center ( maybe animal rehab facility) anywhere. Everyone is committed to the mission and the patients are always the first priority. And their expertise matches the commitment and passion. In this business this combination is critical. Proud to support and serve this organization still after moving 300 miles away from daily involvement several years ago.
As a NJ Eagle Project volunteer, and a member of the Raptor Alliance, I have occasion to visit and rely on The Raptor Trust quite often. This facility is clean, caring, well designed and superbly located to best benefit all birds in need. The staff is not only very knowledgeable but they are also compassionate both with their avian patients and with the concerned people who have brought a bird to them for care. I dealt directly with the staff during the release of a rehabilitated bald eagle fledgling in 2021. Their priority was the protection and well-being of the eagle. They took steps to insure that the juvenile would be reintegrated into the wild close to its nest without interference from the curious public. We are so lucky here in north and central NJ to have such a special facility located in the lovely wooded area adjacent to the Great Swamp.
I’ve been volunteering with the Raptor Trust for years, but, before that, I was a regular visitor. The team is so dedicated, kind, and helpful. They provide an amazing service and our wildlife is better off thanks to them.
This place is awesome. The staff is extremely friendly and will answer any questions that you may have regarding birds.
AMAZING! You have to visit to truly believe the amazing job the entire Raptor Trust Team does.
Words can’t describe the incredible work they do, nursing birds back to health and releasing them back into the wild when they would otherwise not make it. They literally save thousands of birds every year, just mind boggling. Keep up the fantastic work you al do guys, thank you!!!
The Raptor Trust is a wonderful facility for injured birds. I remember going there when I was a young child… 50 years later I took my grandchildren and was amazed at how it has grown and improved . I try to donate annually because they keep me well informed of birds they are caring for ! They certainly are busy !! Great job TRT!!!
Absolutely top notch rescue and rehabilitation organization focused on an important segment of our wildlife. I presented a fallen starling--not a bird within the Raptor Trust mission of native birds--but they examined it anyway and provided me with an at home starter kit to hand raise the bird, plus on call support. When my friend found an imperiled red tail hawk that he could not collect himself, they found a volunteer on a weekend to go with him to collect the bird. They do anything they can to help our avian population, and the exhibits are educational and wonderful, too.
I am so happy to be a monthly donor to The Raptor Trust. They send emails and their Facebook page documents the great work that they do to rehabilitate birds in need of their care. I also visited in person to see how they take care of the birds that can’t be released, and it is clear how much they love the birds in their care.
This is the best place in NJ to bring injured wild birds to be rehabilitated! It is a very professional organization with excellent volunteers!
I'm not a birder, but I have been a Raptor Trust supporter for decades. Birds don't have a lot of political clout or financial resources. The Trust has taken care of them because it's the right thing to do. Don't let the "Raptor" part of the name confuse you. They take in anything with feathers. And it isn't cheap. Feeding hundreds of birds with different dietary preferences and providing medical care (kudos to the veterinary professionals who volunteer their services) and operating and recovery rooms is expensive. The Trust needs donations to provide all this and educational programs.
I am so very grateful to know about The Raptor Trust. I have taken many injured wild birds and orphans to them over many years (a starling caught in wood siding, 17 wood ducklings that had fallen into a catch basin with no Mom in sight, a Canada goose with leg injuries and birds that had crashed into windows to name a few. Theirs is an outwardly rustic and "simple" looking facility, staffed with experts and dedicated volunteers providing the best of care. I trust their "patient care" judgment completely and know that they give every patient their best. They have also given me great advice on how to rescue birds in particular situations (like having a bunch of baby starlings fall through my house from attic to basement, calmly guiding me on what to do using their knowledge of bird behavior and their extensive rescue experience. They are a tremendous resource and I am so grateful that they are there! I would feel helpless if they were not.
I have brought several injured birds to Raptor Trust over the decades. They have answered my calls immediately and have always been ready and willing to help the birds. I think they are a caring organization and I'm so grateful they are here. They do it for the love of the birds and that's rare!
They do a wonderful job with all birds. They make it easy for people to help. Twice In past years I brought them an injured pigeon ; the first time was after 9:00pm, I was able to leave the bird in a safe box with a note for staff, I would not have been able to bring it during business hours. The second time was during the day and I left bird with staff. I love raptors, but think it is important that they help all birds in need.
Fantastic group that have saved many lives and that educate people about their patients. Amaze me with their knowledge and passionate employees. Although they have awesome find raisers they can always use donations to help more beautiful birds.
The workRaptor Trust does in rescuing and rehabilitating birds is exemplary and we have always enjoyed visiting your facility and seeing the birds. We think that our children and grandchildren that have visited the Raptor Trust facility and have seen the school prpgrams have gained a real appreciation for the birds and the work that you do.
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My husband and I have been birdwatching for over 30 years both in NYC and in NJ.
When we discovered Rapture Trust it became a place that we frequented and brought many friends. The care given to birds at this wonderful place is hard to describe. They are just wonderful folks. We have also brought in many birds we have found injured or young fallen from a nest. Never a "no" to any birds we have brought for them to care for. Rature Trust should be there for many more generations of birds and humans to enjoy and learn from.
Thank you RAPTURE TRUST!
July 4th weekend: Saw some bluejays attacking something in the backyard. Thought it was a snake... it was a Dove fledgling. Followed TRT's instructions to "box" and protect the bird. Luckily, i live local to the trust so decided to chance it and bring the bird over... 10 minutes to close time and on a holiday weekend!! WELCOMING VOLUNTEERS WERE THERE, took immediate response to fledgling. I was amazed by and grateful for their presence, talent, and care. A+ Raptor Trust.
My daughter and I have visited the Raptor Trust several times. We are always delighted to see the birds, and how the Raptor Trust is working to help them recover. This is a wonderful organization and deserves as much support as people can provide. I urge you to visit and see for yourself.
Years ago I found a great horned owl sitting on a log next to my driveway. I felt this was not the proper thing for a big bird to be doing. I got a blanket, covered, and picked up the owl put her in a box and called the Raptor Trust. The founder,Lenny Souci, answered the phone and told me to come right down. My first encounter with the Raptor trust was very positive. Lenny was extremely attentive to the welfare of this bird. I can still see the love and compassion he shared that night.
Throughout the years, I have visited the facility and attended several of their educational lectures...Including the terrific Owl Walk.
Lenny's son is now the director. He has the passion and expertise of his dad. If I did not live so far away, I certainly would volunteer my time to help in the rehabilitation of these magnificent birds.
Raptor Trust is an amazing organization. They take in injured and orphaned birds, caring for and rehabilitating them with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. Birds that are too injured to be released back in the wild are cared for on premises. My family and I have brought many birds to Raptor Trust over the years, from baby robins that fell out of nests to sparrows with conjunctivitis, a goose with a broken wing, and everything in between, and we always are in awe of their kindness, compassion, and knowledge. My family often stop by just to walk through to see the many different types of birds on premises. (It's educational AND it's a great place to get inspiration for my haiku!) Please remember to leave a donation in the box near the front (or you can buy a tee shirt, hat, mug, etc. at the adorable gift shop -) every little bit helps!
Amazing facility cares for injured birds, rehabilitates them, and releases them when possible. Visitors can see raptors that cannot be released in the spacious cages on their grounds for free - but do support them by leaving a small donation on the box. A great place to take kids.
The Raptor Trust is an ethical charity that not only helps raptors but all birds and then releases them into the wild if that is possible or humanely euthanizes those that cannot be rehabilitated. They also have educational programs.
What I also like about their organization is that Chris Soucy and the team keep their donors updated on their work in a way that does not make one feel obligated to donate again. They are equally responsive to the birds, the public, and their donors.
In the last two years, I attended two presentations they gave in November and they were excellent. In addition, I went to them when I had a question on a bird that was visiting my balcony.
Everything about this charity is above par. It is one reason I continue to donate when I can. Eight years ago, I gave myself a goal to make a one-time donation to a different charity each year; however, I keep coming back to the Raptor Trust because they make me feel involved in their cause. I have donated to eight charities since I made that promise to myself in 2012 and the Raptor Trust has been the only one so far to voluntarily show me what they actually do and I am not one of their wealthy donors. To me that speaks volumes.
A halo of dedication surrounds every person associated with this group. Professionals who are doing something real to salvage the planet, and on a ruthlessly meagre budget. They even gave their all to try to save my worthless no-account little house sparrow.
The Raptor Trust is an exceptional organization that truly cares and does everything they can. I've been catching and bringing injured or sick birds to them for years and I highly recommend them for any bird related support.
Visited a number of times with SO and other families. Always enjoy my visit and donated regularly over last few years. Seems to be a small facility and organization that does valuable work.