WNY Raptor & Wildlife Care

My name is Bernie, and I operate a home-based wildlife sanctuary in Western New York dedicated to the care, rehabilitation, and education of wildlife. Helping animals in need has been a lifelong passion that began at 4 years old when I rescued an Eastern Screech Owl that had fallen from its nest. This experience sparked a deep love for wildlife.

Over the years, I earned my doctorate in Biology, became a full-time Professor for a decade, and gained extensive experience in wildlife rehabilitation. I am both federally and New York State licensed in wildlife rehabilitation of migratory birds and raptors. These licenses allow me to provide care and rehabilitation for raptors and other wildlife in need.

As the demand for wildlife care continued to grow, I realized I could make a greater impact by bringing together others who shared the same commitment. In 2019, I founded WNY Raptor and Wildlife Care, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the care, rehabilitation, and conservation of raptors and other native wildlife.

What began with a single enclosure has steadily expanded. Through community support and fundraising efforts, we have grown to 9 specialized enclosures that provide sanctuary and rehabilitation space for species including Red-tailed Hawks, Great Horned Owls, Turkey Vultures, Barn Owls, Barred Owls, and Peregrine Falcons, among many others throughout the year.

Today, our organization continues to grow, with several licensed rehabilitators now working together to provide care, sanctuary, and education throughout Western New York. While we remain a home-based facility, our vision is to continue expanding our capacity so we can help even more wildlife in need while inspiring others to appreciate and protect the natural world.