JOHN A. KARGER, A.H.T.

John Anthony Karger was born in San Antonio, Texas on June 23, 1953. As founder and Executive Director of Last Chance Forever, The Bird of Prey Conservancy, he is responsible for the overall operation of the organization. Last Chance Forever receives 240 to 300 sick, injured or orphaned raptors each year—with the goal of rehabilitating them and returning them to their natural home, the wild.

His educational background is in the wildlife and veterinary sciences and reflects his desire to care for injured wildlife:

• Certified Veterinary Technician III, certification with Anesthesiology certificate issued through Texas A&M University, and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association
• Bio-engineering Behavioral Technician certification from Southwest Research Institute

 Additionally, Mr. Karger is a holder of Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and United States Fish and Wildlife Service permits issued for:

• Master class Falconer
• Rescue and rehabilitation of protected wildlife species including the threatened and endangered, Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles.
• Possession of protected, threatened and endangered species for educational purposes 
• Possession of live eagles for exhibition and Education

These permits allow him to care for and teach about native wildlife, including endangered species.  

For over 50 years, Mr. Karger has been deeply involved in wildlife rehabilitation, namely the rehabilitation of sick, injured, and orphaned birds of prey resulting in the release of well over 3,000 birds. In 1978, he formed Last Chance Forever, The Bird of Prey Conservancy with associates. The organization receives 240 to 300 raptors in need annually and maintains a 62% rate of return to the wild. This important work has had a national, and international impact.

His common sense oriented educational programs offered to the public have touched well over 4 million people, exposing them to the importance of birds of prey and the necessity of all life forms living in a healthy ecosystem. Presentations performed from Texas to Minnesota are well known for promoting falconry and a common sense attitude regarding the conservation of our environment. Mr. Karger has been represented with favorable notice in state and national print with numerous articles covering Last Chance Forever’s conservation efforts and in the television media on programs such as “Good Morning America,” “Wild Rescues” on Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel, “Beyond 2000” on the National Geographic Channel and the United Kingdom’s BBC. He has served on committees for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and United States Fish and Wildlife Service. He acts as an advisor presently (or has served in the past) for The Minnesota Raptor Center, The Pueblo Raptor Center, Texas Falconry Advisory Board, Texas Hawking Association, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical School. 

Recognition:

• Recipient of Mutual Omaha Conservation award
• 1995 Star of Texas Preservation…Gillespie County Historical Society
• 1998 Conservation Education Award…San Antonio Master Naturalists
• 1998 Outstanding Wildlife Educator Award…Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Law Enforcement Division
• 2003 April, Primary article in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Departments magazine
• Current programs on Animal Planet and Discover Channels