2011 Birds of Prey Center 20th celebration

Roasted butternut squash bisque

Eurasian Screech Owl

Diane Rosin, Jack Hanna and Emily Stewart

Columbus Zoo official with Cloud Leopard

The Center for the Birds of Prey made it a night to remember with its WILD at Wingswood event on October 29 in celebration of their 20th year of existence. Their nature center in Awendaw is at the cutting edge of avian research and rehabilitation, and also provides appropriate housing for the birds that now only assist with educational purposes. Executive director Jim Elliott dialed up the star power with Jack Hanna and his Columbus Zoo animals, The Lee brothers of Charleston, and nine of his favorite downtown restaurants joined in with culinary fare. Of course, the party has a worthy cause as a fundraiser for the continued work of the Avian Conservation Center and the attendees gave generously at the silent and live auction. Birds of Prey gave flight displays and were available for some photos, while Jungle Jack showed off some big cats, an armadillo and even a penguin. The grounds of the facility are now under a conservation easement, which further demonstrated their commitment to conservation and Lowcountry Outdoors wishes them well as they soar into their third decade of work.

To view past blog entries about the Center for Birds of Prey click here.