Eastern Standard Time
Carolina Raptor Center’s Raptor Ambassador Course is a five-part series designed for professionals working with ambassador raptors. The course provides an overview of key concepts that inform ethical and effective raptor ambassador management programs, including behavior and enrichment, positive reinforcement training, education program support, medical and husbandry considerations, and welfare-based decision-making. Participants will gain foundational knowledge, shared terminology, and practical examples that support informed decision-making in the care and management of ambassador raptors.
Course tuition: $200
Course includes five consecutive webinar classes that occur once a week.
Recordings are provided for all classes.
Each class is 60-75 minutes long, with additional time reserved for questions and discussion at the end of the timeslot.
No refunds within 14 days of the first class
Group rates are available, please contact webinars@carolinaraptorcenter.org for more information
CEUs may be available for IATCB, please contact webinars@carolinaraptorcenter.org for more information
Class Dates and Topics:
Please note: all classes are held on Tuesdays at 4:00pm-5:30 pm EST.
3/3/26
Topic: Raptor Behavior and Enrichment
Description: This class provides an overview of raptor behavior and its role in effective enrichment practices. Topics include behavior interpretation, functions of behavior, how enrichment supports physical and psychological well-being, and the basics of developing an enrichment program that promotes choice, agency, and species-appropriate behaviors.
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3/10/26
Topic: Positive Reinforcement Training
Description: This class provides an overview of positive reinforcement principles and how they are applied in daily care and programming. Topics include antecedent arrangement, training for husbandry behaviors, and how training philosophies guide ethical decision-making.
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3/17/26
Topic: Education Programs with Ambassador Raptors
Description: This class provides an overview of how training and behavior support effective education messaging. Topics include setting expectations, using appropriate verbiage, managing situations when birds choose not to participate or need to exit programs early, antecedent arrangement, coordination of care and site logistics, and the evolution of educational content
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3/24/26
Topic: Health and Medical Care for Ambassador Raptors
Description: This class provides an overview of common medical and husbandry considerations for raptors under human care. Topics include bumblefoot prevention, enclosure materials and layout, physical exams, diet and nutrition, and routine preventative care, with emphasis on proactive strategies that support long-term health and welfare.
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3/31/26
Topic: Ambassador Welfare
Description: This class examines ethical approaches to raptor welfare, including how assessments and welfare committee feedback inform care decisions. Topics include ambassador selection, welfare-based care adjustments, and making end-of-life decisions with quality of life as the primary focus.
Mar 3 - 31, 2026
To ignite a passion for raptors and a responsibility for our shared natural world.
The Carolina Raptor Center fosters communities where raptors and people thrive thanks to our unique blend of innovation, research, and education.
We are a world class destination for avian rehabilitation and our dedication to the birds in our care provides visitors a gateway to the natural world.