For as long as I can remember, I have had a deep love and admiration for animals. Their resilience, their intelligence, and their role in the ecosystem have always fascinated me. However, my true passion for birds of prey—the powerful yet fragile raptors of the skies—took flight when I became a falconer at just 16 years old. It was then, with my first red-tailed hawk, Theron, that I realized my purpose: not only to work with these incredible creatures but to educate others about them and protect them from the dangers posed by human activity.
Falconry opened my eyes to the intricate relationship between birds of prey and their environment. Every time I watched Theron take flight, I felt a profound connection to the natural world. But I also became increasingly aware of the threats raptors face—from habitat destruction to vehicle collisions, rodenticide poisoning, and illegal hunting. Witnessing these challenges firsthand made it clear that simply caring about wildlife wasn’t enough. Action was necessary, and I was determined to make a difference.
The Birth of Christine’s Critters, Inc.
In 2015, I turned that passion into action by founding Christine’s Critters, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured birds of prey. What began as a small effort with just a few birds quickly grew into a full-fledged wildlife rehabilitation and education center. Over the years, we have taken in more than a thousand injured raptors, working tirelessly to provide them with medical care, nourishment, and a second chance at freedom.
Every year, we admit more than 100 injured birds of prey, each with its own story of survival. Some arrive with broken wings from collisions with cars, others suffer from lead poisoning after consuming contaminated prey, and many fall victim to rodenticides that travel up the food chain. Every case is unique, requiring specialized care and rehabilitation techniques tailored to the individual bird. Our goal is always the same: to nurse them back to health and return them to the wild, where they belong.
But our work does not stop at rehabilitation. Unfortunately, not all of the birds we rescue can be released. Some sustain permanent injuries that prevent them from surviving on their own. Rather than euthanizing these incredible animals, we offer them a permanent home at Christine’s Critters. Today, we provide sanctuary to 22 non-releasable birds of prey, including hawks, owls, falcons, and an osprey. These ambassadors serve as living representatives of their species, helping us educate the public about the importance of conservation and the human impact on wildlife.
In addition to our avian residents, we also provide a safe and loving home for 30 rescued reptiles. Reptiles are often misunderstood and mistreated, yet they play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Many of our reptiles were surrendered by people who could no longer care for them, and we strive to give them the best possible quality of life while using them to teach responsible exotic pet ownership.
The Importance of Wildlife Education
Wildlife conservation is not just about rehabilitating injured animals—it’s about preventing harm in the first place. That is why education is at the heart of everything we do at Christine’s Critters. Through our interactive outreach programs, we bring live birds of prey and reptiles into schools, libraries, senior centers, scout meetings, and public events. Our mission is to inspire awe and appreciation for these animals while equipping people with the knowledge they need to help protect them.
One of the greatest joys of my work is witnessing the transformation in people’s perceptions. I’ve seen children light up with wonder as they meet a great horned owl for the first time, and I’ve watched adults overcome lifelong fears of snakes by gently touching one and realizing that these creatures are not to be feared, but respected. These experiences foster a deeper connection between people and wildlife, encouraging individuals to take small but meaningful actions to reduce their impact on the environment.
Our educational programs cover a wide range of topics, from the anatomy and hunting techniques of raptors to the challenges they face in the wild. We teach audiences about the dangers of rodenticide poisoning and how it affects the entire food chain. We discuss the importance of preserving habitats and creating bird-safe environments by using window decals to prevent collisions. By providing this knowledge, we empower individuals to become advocates for wildlife in their own communities.
Overcoming Challenges
Running a wildlife rescue is no easy task. Every day brings new challenges—whether it’s responding to emergency rescue calls, ensuring that our resident animals receive the best care, or securing funding to keep our mission alive. As a nonprofit, we rely entirely on donations and program fees to cover the costs of food, medical care, and facility maintenance. The expenses of running a wildlife rescue add up quickly, from specialized diets for different species to veterinary bills for injured birds that require surgeries or long-term rehabilitation.
One of our biggest obstacles is funding. While we charge fees for our educational programs, these funds alone are not enough to sustain our operations. We depend on the generosity of donors and supporters who believe in our mission. Whether through individual contributions, corporate sponsorships, or fundraising events, every dollar we receive goes directly toward the care of our animals and the expansion of our educational outreach.
Despite these challenges, I wake up every day grateful to do this work. The sight of a rehabilitated hawk soaring back into the sky, the excited chatter of children learning about an owl’s silent flight, the relief of an injured bird receiving the care it needs—these moments make every hardship worthwhile. Knowing that we are making a tangible difference in the lives of these animals fuels our commitment to continue this important work.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Christine’s Critters exists because of the generosity and support of our community. Whether you attend one of our programs, donate, or simply spread the word about our mission, you are helping to make the world a safer place for wildlife. We invite people to volunteer, participate in our educational programs, and advocate for conservation initiatives in their own communities.
If we can change even a few human behaviors—reducing pesticide use, securing outdoor trash to prevent rodenticide poisoning, using window decals to prevent bird collisions—then we can create a future where raptors and other wildlife thrive. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to the greater goal of protecting these incredible creatures.
I invite you to join us in our mission. Together, we can ensure that these incredible birds continue to soar high above us, wild and free, for generations to come. Whether through a donation, attending an event, or simply sharing our story, you can help us make a lasting impact.
Thank you for supporting Christine’s Critters and for being a part of our journey to rescue, rehabilitate, and educate. The wild needs all of us, and together, we can make a difference. Join our email list below!
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