AEP Foundation Grant Allows New Soarin’ Hawk Raptor Center to Take Flight
Feb. 26, 2019
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) on Tuesday presented a $100,000 check on behalf
of the AEP Foundation empowering Soarin’ Hawk Raptor Rehabilitation Center to begin construction on
our new operations facility.
The donation equals approximately one-third of the cost of building the new facility at 17688 Lima Road.
“This generous contribution from the AEP Foundation is the final piece of the financing puzzle that will
allow us to begin building our long-awaited new ‘nest’ that will provide modern recovery enclosures, a
new aviary and a long-needed operations building,” said Harry Owen, President of Soarin’ Hawk. “In
addition to enhancing our recovery care for raptors, our new home will allow us to greatly expand our
educational programs, which already reach about 10,000 students annually.”
Toby Thomas, President and Chief Operations Officer for I&M, noted the long partnership between
Soarin’ Hawk and the energy provider.
“I&M and Soarin’ Hawk have been partners in wildlife conservation for more than a quarter century.
Soarin’ Hawk volunteers have provided veterinary services and other care for the multiple generations of
peregrine falcons that have bred, hatched and fledged on the roof of Indiana Michigan Power Center,”
Thomas said. “In their new home, Soarin’ Hawk will be able to expand both its wildlife conservation
practices as well as the important education they provide.
The new campus will include:
• New, modern recovery enclosures and habitats that are designed to provide a natural setting for
the raptors, while minimizing maintenance.
• An aviary that will enable our volunteers to exercise multiple birds in all weather conditions, which
results in the return of birds-of-prey to their natural environment much quicker.
• An operations building that will provide climate-controlled space for triage and treatment; a
preparation area for raptors’ food; and serve as a base for Soarin' Hawk's volunteers.
Soarin’ Hawk plans to break ground on the new facility as soon as the weather breaks. Site preparation
will include restoring a portion of the acreage to much needed Prairie, Pollinator and Riparian habitats.
I&M and Soarin’ Hawk began working together in wildlife conservation since 1993 with the introduction of
peregrine falcons to Fort Wayne and the placing of a nesting box on top of Indiana Michigan Power
Center. Soarin’ Hawk volunteers assist the Indiana Department of Natural Resources with banding falcon
chicks several weeks after they hatch.