Why You Should Support Last Chance Forever
Over 85% of migratory raptor species fly within 200 miles of our facility, so even though we are based in Texas, we serve birds from Alaska to the tip of South America. Every year, we receive hundreds of sick, injured, or orphaned birds of prey blown out of their nests, hit by cars, caught in fences, electrically shocked, displaced by thoughtless development, and sometimes, sadly, shot. These birds can stay with us for weeks, months, or in some cases, more than a year.
Last Chance Forever is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit organization and, as such, we do not receive any state or federal funding. Our funding comes entirely from public donations, foundations, corporate giving, and our educational programs.
Your support is what enables Last Chance Forever to do its work, and we want you to make an informed choice about the organization you are supporting.
Our Expenses
Food. Food is our single biggest expense. We use more than 30,000 pounds of meat annually. We work to find the best sources for quail, chicks, mice, rats, beef heart, and venison to ensure the birds are well fed so they can recover and be released.
Treatment. Medicine and veterinary costs are another major cost. While we work with long-term partners who do their best to provide discounts, a single intake exam can cost more than $200. Additionally, the bird may require x-rays, surgery, or antibiotics and many of our birds get daily vitamins added to their food.
Cleaning & Maintenance. After daily feeding and exercising the birds, cleaning and maintenance is our second biggest time consumer, and the supplies needed to regularly sterilize treatment areas and clean up chambers, as well as maintain the facilities, add up quickly. When compared to humans, birds are much more sensitive to certain chemicals so we have to be careful when choosing which cleaners and pesticides we can use around the facility.
Support Rehabilitation & Education
For over 40 years, we have been releasing hawks, falcons, vultures, owls, and eagles into the wild; 65% to 80% of the birds we receive go back into the wild.
We also present educational programs at over 200 schools, libraries, and other public events a year, giving the public an up close look at our educational ambassadors so that everyone has an opportunity to learn more about these wonderful birds of prey that share our earth.
Wishlist
We always have an ongoing need for cleaning supplies that are safe for the birds. Specifically:
- Paper Towels
- Green Scrub Pads
- Simple Green
If you have any other specific items, please contact us first as there are some products containing chemicals that are unsafe for the birds.