My name is Jessica Zorge and I am the founder of Raptor Tales Rescue located in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. I specialize in the rehabilitation of birds of prey. I work full-time as an Animal Behaviorist and run Raptor Tales Rescue during my off hours on a volunteer basis. We accept injured and orphaned birds of prey from members of the public, local police, Animal Control, MassAudubon, MassWildlife and Environmental Police. We also accept patients from wildlife clinics needing long-term care. This year, we have treated over 50 birds of prey.

Proceeds of our Shirt Fundraiser will go towards medical supplies - many of the birds we treat are often hit by a car, shot, caught in netting or poisoned. Medical needs such as pain management, antibiotics and medications to counteract poisoning are costly.

Funds will also be used towards caging and maintenance. As raptors progress through different levels or recovery, their caging requirements also change. Young raptors are housed indoors in warm incubators. Injured raptors are kept in smaller spaces to prevent further trauma and are closely monitored. As each bird recovers, they progress to larger enclosures and are flight-tested before release. Funds will also be used for one of the most expensive aspects of raptor rehabilitation which is a balanced diet. Many of our patients arrive underweight, needing additional food supplements to achieve a healthy body weight. We received an eagle this fall that had an incredible appetite!