Raptor Rehab of Kentucky, Incorporated, (RROKI), is an organization devoted to the rehabilitation and care of injured raptors and the education of the public concerning a raptor's place in the ecosystem. As a volunteer with RROKI, you will have opportunities to participate in public and school presentations, medical treatment of sick or injured raptors, and the maintenance of birds used for educational programs.

There will be times of great joy and times of great sorrow. More than 50% of sick and injured raptors either die or must be euthanized. In most raptor rehabilitation programs, a 35% release rate is considered outstanding.

Raptors can be aggressive and very dangerous. The training regimen at RROKI is necessarily strict and thorough to protect all parties involved. Training includes a minimum of 12 sessions lasting 4-5 hours, once a week, depending on previous experience and individual advancement. All volunteers must purchase a training manual at a cost of $25.00. This training manual will help guide you through your new experiences. The more interest you show, the faster you advance!

The initial training regimen includes the following:

1. Care of rodents (cleaning cages, feeding, and watering).

2. Maintenance of equipment (cleaning crates and perches, oiling jesses, etc.).

3. Record Keeping.

4. General knowledge and specific biographies of education birds.

5. Care of Raptors (cleaning areas, feeding, medical treatment and diagnosis).

6. Handling Raptors.

7. Educational Presentations.

After training is completed, volunteers should be capable of daily maintenance of raptors as well as the presentation of individual raptors in an educational program.

All volunteers should attend our monthly meeting. Our meetings are the 3rd Friday of each month at 7:30 p.m. They are located at the Bon Air Library.

We hope that you are able to join us in our dedication to raptors, and that you become a part of the future of RROKI!