photo by John S. Mead, www.bluelionphotos.com

The Eurasian Kestrel is part of the Falcon group. This bird is the type that is rehabilitated at the Center for Birds of Prey. Conservationist Jack Hanna will visit Dec. 5 for the avian center’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

photo provided

Jack Hanna, pictured above, will be coming to Charleston to be a part of two events to benefit The Center for Birds of Prey on Dec. 5. Below, a yellowbilled kite (African) is shown. This is one of the many birds the center treats and rehabilitates.

photo provided

Hanna, along with his wife Suzi, will be flying in for one day to be part of the two events benefitting The Center for Birds of Prey. Hanna, Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo, has an impressive resume, including his TV Series, "Jack Hanna's Into the Wild" which received an Emmy for Outstanding Children's Series; and Hanna was nominated for Best Host of a Children's Series.

Hanna said, " I am honored that the Avian Conservation Center invited me to visit South Carolina in December. The work that the Center for Birds of Prey does each day helps to ensure that the welfare and habitats of birds is protected for future generations."

James D. Elliott, Jr., Executive director and founder of The Avian Conservation Center, said that Hanna visits Charleston almost every year for the Southeastern Wildlife Festival and he has brought birds for him to work with before. However, this will be Hanna's first visit to the Center. "He is doing this because he cares about our work and thinks it is important," said Elliott.

The first event is geared towards families. The event, presented by Half-Moon Outfitters, is from 1- 3 p.m. at the 150-acre campus in Awendaw.

Elliott said that Hanna will be there to sign autographs and take pictures. Activities include a visit to Vulture Restaurant, Harris Hawk Walks, face painting, and arts and crafts.

Educational opportunities will be available for children, such as looking at Owl Pellets and determining what the owl is able to eat and digest. Refreshments will be provided by Piggly Wiggly.

Later in the day, from 4 - 8 p.m., Hanna will be present at "Wild at Bulls Bay" at the Bulls Bay Golf Clubhouse. The evening features cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, Birds of Prey in Flight, a live and silent auction and dancing and music by Minimum Wage.

Elliott explained that when he started the Center in 1991, he only had eight birds that first year and no one knew about the organization.

Later the amount grew to 30 birds, and then 60, and now the Center sees 400-500 birds each year.

The Center has cared for and released thousands of birds for almost 20 years.

And other than just birds of prey, they now treat wading and shore birds because of the oil spill.

Elliott explained that the reason the Center came to be was that there was not a place of professional care for the birds in South Carolina.

"This is the only major fundraiser we have this year," he said.

Elliott noted that proceeds will generate operating expenses for the center, caring for the birds, as well as providing educational opportunities.

For further information call (843) 971-7474 or visit www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org.