About R A R E

The RARE Group is a non-profit raptor rehabilitation and education organization that was founded in 2015. Located in Iowa City, Iowa, The RARE Group is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of birds of prey throughout Iowa. Made up completely of volunteers, the clinic sees well over 150 birds a year and that number continues to grow. We are run completely by volunteers, and are 100% funded through private donations and sponsors.  If you are interested in getting involved, there are many ways that you can support our mission. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Our Mission

 RARE seeks to enrich lives by engaging in and promoting responsible stewardship of the environment through education, research, and pro-active efforts to preserve wildlife.

   Raptors 

We see a variety of species come through our clinic doors; including (but not limited to) Bald Eagles, Turkey Vultures, Osprey, Red-tailed Hawks, Rough-legged Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks, Cooper's Hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, Merlins, American Kestrels, Snowy Owls, Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, Barn Owls, Long-eared Owls, Eastern Screech Owls, and Northern Saw-whet Owls.

Advocacy 

for the protection and preservation of raptors as vital members of the planet’s ecosystem.

Rehabilitation 

More than 150 sick or injured raptors passed through our doors in 2021.  Cases can range from something as simple as a bird that struck a window and just needs some time to rest, to something as severe as a bird that comes in with several broken bones; sometimes requiring surgery to recover.  No matter the issue, our rehabilitators work tirelessly to give these birds the best fighting chance of survival and eventual return to the wild.

Education 

Our volunteer educators accompany our avian ambassadors to education programs throughout eastern Iowa in order to enlighten the public about the wonders of Iowa's raptor species, the dangers they face, and what can be done to help these birds have a better quality of life in the wild.

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