Raptor Propagation: Why do we captive breed?

This is a common question from visitors and volunteers and I think it’s a good one.

Captive breeding is done for a number of reasons. One of our missions at the World Bird Sanctuary is to help preserve the biodiversity of bird species. When a species is threatened by encroaching development, their fragmented habitat prevents many birds from breeding and severely limits genetic diversity in a population. As habitats worldwide are destroyed, many species are becoming behaviorally trapped. Living in a small area usually leads to extinction.

By banking, or preserving, the genetic diversity of different species for future generations, we increase the possibility that they will avoid extinction and, ideally, be restored to their original habitats.

In addition, some of our birds are bred for education. Captive birds are a teaching tool for interns, staff, and scientists, as well as our visiting public. They help build an interest and investment in the continued support of species survival programs.

Some birds, like our barn owls, are raised for release. Here is a new video of our barn owl Athena and her chicks. The oldest is now 5 weeks and they are growing up too fast!



In the next few weeks, I'll be posting on the propagation process from egg to fledge. If you'd like to see them all together, click on "propagation" in the subject links on the right side of your screen.