S.O.A.R. Save Our American Raptors
 
 
 
 Save Our American Raptors, Inc. is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) environmental education organization. Our mission is to educate people about the magnificence of aerial predators. The best way to accomplish this is to bring live Birds of Prey to schools, state parks, board rooms, or to any group who wants to experience an incredible close encounter with Birds of Prey. Our lively informative presentations feature a variety of raptors, including owls, hawks, a falcon, a very funny vulture, and a bald eagle. * Not affiliated with S.O.A.R. Illinois
 
 
Save Our American Raptors, Inc. was founded by “Eagle Lady”, Doris Mager. In 1963 Doris began her work by rescuing injured and orphaned Birds of Prey with the Florida Audubon Society. At one time, she housed 36 birds at her home in Apopka, FL, and eventually cared for 80 bald eagles. Before she left the Audubon Society in 1981 she was instrumental in starting the Birds of Prey Center in Maitland, FL. She had a unique approach to raise money for the aviary; she lived in an Eagle’s nest to bring attention to the center! She left after 19.5 years to become the director of Raptor Research and Education at the Florida Conservation Foundation. In June, 1983, Doris established S.O.A.R. Inc. Her work for nearly 18 years included aerial eagle nest surveys in conjunction with the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. She conducted thousands of educational programs across the US: including school talks, eagle walks, lectures, and a bicycle trek across the country. “The Biceagle” trip originated in California and ended 2870.8 miles later in Florida. This too, was to raise funds and awareness for eagles and Doris did this amazing feat at the age of 60. Now, after thousands of miles and hours on the road and multitudes of programs and awards, Doris still educates throughout the country at the age of 85.
 
Co-Directors
 
Founder of S.O.A.R.
 
Dale and John, a husband and wife team, have a combined 52 years of experience with birds. Dale’s raptor experience dates from 1989 when she became an Apprentice Falconer and trained her first Red-tailed hawk. By 1996, she was a Master-rated Falconer. From 1993-2002, she worked for the National Foundation to Protect America’s Eagles. In 2002-2004 she worked as the lead curator of herpetology at the Santa Barbara zoo. In 2004 she became a co-director of S.O.A.R. She also holds a bachelors degree in psychology and a master’s degree in wildlife biology. John began his bird career in 1977 at the Memphis Zoo as a bird Keeper. In 1978 he became an Apprentice Falconer and established the Memphis Zoo Raptor Rehab Program and rehabilitated hundreds of native raptors. He also conducted several hundred educational programs with raptors at schools, state parks, and civic groups. In 1986 he became the Director of Wildlife for The Cumberland Wildlife Foundation of America. In 1991 CWFA merged with National Foundation of Protect America’s Eagles soon to be called American Eagle Foundation. With AEF, John and Dale conducted the Wings of America Show at Dollywood. John worked for this organization until 2002. At the Santa Barbara Zoo 2002-2004 he worked as Lead Bird Keeper. In 2004 John became a co-director of S.O.A.R.
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