World Bird Sanctuary Mission

The mission of the World Bird Sanctuary is to protect and preserve birds and their habitats through conservation, rehabilitation, and education.

About World Bird Sanctuary

The World Bird Sanctuary (WBS) of St. Louis, Missouri, is a globally recognized conservation organization. We protect and preserve birds and their habitats through a comprehensive, four-program approach to conservation. Locally, we rehabilitate sick or injured raptors and return them to the wild. Globally, we breed some of the world's most endangered species for eventual reintroduction. Through our public Sanctuary, we offer a space for families to connect with nature and learn about international conservation initiatives. Finally, by educating students in schools, we inspire future conservation leaders to continue this important work after us.

Birds are in Decline Across the Globe

Nearly half of the world’s bird species are now in decline, with only six percent having increasing populations. One in eight species (or 1,409 species in total) are now threatened with extinction. Nearly three billion birds are estimated to have been lost since 1970 in North America alone, and a further 600 million have been lost in the European Union since 1980, an area five times smaller.

The World Bird Sanctuary collaborates with a wide range of individuals, non-governmental organizations, and corporations globally to breed endangered and threatened species for the purpose of releasing them back into their natural habitats.

Together, we strive towards a healthier and more sustainable future, ensuring these birds are cared for and the species are not lost forever.

Our Programs

INSPIRING THE FUTURE – Childhood conservation education is not merely beneficial; it is essential for the sustainability of our planet's ecosystems. Children growing up disconnected from nature leads to a generation that is ill-equipped to tackle the pressing challenges of pollution, biodiversity loss, and habitat destruction. The absence of this foundational knowledge at a formative age, or the lack of inspiration to make a difference, can result in a continued cycle of neglect towards nature, further eroding the relationship between humans and the environment.

Our Inspiring The Future program engages over 120,000 people each year with interactive and engaging learning opportunities, empowering the next generation of conservation leaders.

HEALING THE HURT - Raptors face numerous threats directly linked to human activities, such as habitat destruction, pollution, and collision with man-made structures like wind turbines and vehicles. Additionally, pesticides and rodenticides used in agricultural practices can poison raptors that consume contaminated prey. These environmental stressors often result in injury or illness, necessitating medical intervention and rehabilitation. Our Healing the Hurt program aims to address these challenges by providing critical care and recovery for over 750 sick or injured raptors each year, with the ultimate goal of returning them to their natural habitats.

SAFEGUARDING SPECIES - Birds are vital yet often undervalued components to healthy, biodiverse ecosystems and communities, offering essential services such as pest control, pollination, soil aeration, and seed dispersal—along with other ecological functions yet to be fully understood by science. Their decline sets off a chain reaction of adverse effects: disrupted food webs, diminished biodiversity, degraded landscapes, and increased crop damage, ultimately threatening our food supply. The annual loss of millions of birds highlights the urgent need to address this crisis before more species vanish, taking their unique ecological roles with them.

Our Safeguarding Species Program is committed to preventing extinction and revitalizing endangered bird species by developing and sustaining safeguard populations. These populations act as vital insurance policies and can later support rewilding initiatives. With over 40 years of expertise and past successes, we employ methodologies that have successfully delisted the Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, and American Barn Owl from the endangered species list.

SANCTUARY SPACES - Known as “Nature Deficit Disorder”, research indicates that children deprived of access to nature experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Conversely, spending time in green spaces can significantly boost children's cognitive development, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.

Places like the World Bird Sanctuary provide an ideal setting for families to bring their children and grandchildren to explore and connect with nature. These environments offer a safe and stimulating atmosphere where young minds can discover the wonders of the natural world. Such experiences foster curiosity and respect for the environment, laying the groundwork for a lifelong appreciation of nature. Our Sanctuary Spaces Program receives over 80,000 visitors annually.

Noteworthy World Bird Sanctuary conservation initiatives include: 

·      Breeding and releasing over 1,000 American Barn Owls back into the wild, contributing to their removal from the endangered species list

·      Breeding and releasing Andean condors into the mountains of South America

·      Creating conservation education resources for children in developing countries

·      Conducting surveys of environmental impact for corporations

·      Banding and collecting data on birds migrating through the Mississippi Flyway

2024 Featured Story:

Endangered Vultures Return To Africa!

In its continued fight against extinction, the World Bird Sanctuary in St. Louis, Missouri, proudly announced the successful relocation of two endangered Egyptian Vultures to their partner organization, VulPro, in South Africa. This significant milestone marks the start of a collaborative breeding program designed to preserve this globally threatened species.

The Egyptian Vulture, distinguished by its yellow face and white plumage, has suffered a dramatic population decline due to poisoning, electrocution from powerlines, and being collected for traditional medicine. Wild populations in Africa have plummeted by more than 90% over the last three generations, leading to the species being declared extinct in South Africa.

The World Bird Sanctuary has been working for over four years with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance to create a safeguard population in the United States, with the goal of relocating offspring to South Africa. This program is a vital effort to avert the extinction of these majestic birds.

"We are thrilled to be working to save the Egyptian Vulture. By partnering with VulPro and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we are working together to give these birds a fighting chance," said Daniel Cone, Assistant Executive Director of the World Bird Sanctuary.

This collaboration between the World Bird Sanctuary, VulPro, and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance underscores the importance of international partnerships in wildlife conservation.

“It is incredibly rewarding to reach this milestone alongside our partners at World Bird Sanctuary and VulPro,” said Andrew Stehly, curator of birds, San Diego Zoo Safari Park. “For years we’ve worked toward the shared goal of reintroducing Egyptian vultures into their native habitat, including by welcoming several chicks—the only ones to hatch in the United States—as part of a conservation breeding program. We look forward to the journey ahead for these birds, each new success a testament to the power of international collaboration in wildlife conservation.”

Thank you for your kindness and generosity – and thanks for

SOARING TOGETHER with the World Bird Sanctuary!

Contact Information

Roger Holloway, Executive Director

125 Bald Eagle Ridge Rd. | Valley Park, MO 63088 | www.worldbirdsanctuary.org

rholloway@worldbirdsanctuary.org | (636) 225-4390