A fire at the University of Iowa Raptor Project killed four birds the morning of Feb. 16. Now, a GoFundMe effort has been launched to help the project rebuild according to Nathalie Granda, GoFundMe Communications Manager.
“Mitch Petrie and Aaron Petrie set up the GoFundMe to help support the facility with repairs,” said Granda. The link, www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-iowa-raptor-center-recover-from-a-fire, had raised $430 as of this past Friday afternoon.
“Our son Aaron has had the pleasure of interning with the University of Iowa Raptor Project for the past couple of years,” wrote Mitch Petrie on the GoFundMe page. “He’s learned about the birds, helped with their care, shared his knowledge with hundreds of visitors to the center and supported the pre-game hawk flights at University of Iowa athletic events. Most importantly, he’s built lasting friendships with the leadership and staff at the center.”
Addie Owen, a volunteer with the Iowa Raptor Project, introduces Omaha, an American Kestrel, during a visit to the Solon Public Library Thursday, June 16, 2022.