We were able to visit the Alaska Raptor Center during our Carnival Legend cruise stop at the Port of Sitka. Alaska has a large concentration of bald eagles and they can be viewed in the wild on several cruise stops.
The raptor center is located on a beautiful 17-acre campus on the border of the Tongass National Forest. Its primary purpose is to rehabilitate eagles, hawks, owls, falcons and other birds of prey.
Approximately 100-200 birds arrive for treatment at the facility each year. The facility’s goal is to help the animals heal and regain their skills so they can be re-introduced to the wild. A few of the animals that could not be returned to nature have become permanent guests.
More than 40,000 visitors annually come to see the two dozen resident eagles, hawks, and owls that assist in the Center’s secondary function of public education. One of the current residents was a bald eagle named Sitka and we were able to visit and take photos of this majestic animal.