Auburn Raptor Center Show at Huntsville Botanical Garden

This summer, I had the chance to visit the Huntsville Botanical Garden and catch an incredible raptor show put on by the Auburn Raptor Center, a rehabilitation and education program run by Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. The center focuses on the rehabilitation of injured birds of prey, giving them a second chance at life in the wild, and for those that can’t return, like Nova, they become ambassadors for their species in educational programs. The highlight of the show was seeing Nova, a majestic golden eagle who once held the title of War Eagle VII until his retirement in 2017. Standing just a few feet from such a powerful bird was awe-inspiring. The handlers shared fascinating details about Nova’s role and his unique connection to Auburn University’s traditions, making the experience even more special.

After the show, I wandered through the garden, taking in the peaceful surroundings. One of the trails led me to a pond where a group of turtles was sunning themselves on a log, adding a serene touch to the day. While the garden itself is always a great escape, this visit was all about the birds of prey and the lasting impression they left on me.