01/27/2026
The Audubon Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland will host a grand re-opening on Valentine’s Day weekend, after more than six months of being closed for construction.
On Saturday and Sunday, February 14 and 15, the Center will open its doors with a weekend full of fun activities to welcome guests back. Guests will be most excited to see the new Sitek Smith Owl Aviary, which offers unobstructed views of the Barred Owls and Great Horned Owls that call the Center home. Guests will also enjoy Raptor Chats, meet-and-greets, and special activities throughout the day.
The new aviary was constructed where the original, octagon-shaped aviary stood for more than 40 years before being damaged by back-to-back hurricanes in 2023. The Center for Birds of Prey team looks forward to offering guests a closer look at the owls and refreshed, interactive exhibits focusing on conservation.
“After two years of planning and fundraising, we are thrilled to be able to share our new aviary with the public. The new aviary allows unobstructed views of our owls, a covered visitor area and additional areas for training and husbandry. ” said Katie Gill Warner, director of the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey. “We’re so excited to share it with our guests.”
After the grand re-opening weekend, the Center for Birds of Prey will return to its normal business hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Purchase tickets for the grand re-opening weekend or general admission here: https://tickets.audubon.org/cbop/events/89120a27-206f-4ac7-447f-69e3338f6596
While the Center was closed to visitors for more than six months, it continued to accept injured raptors in its Raptor Trauma Clinic, where it specializes in the rehabilitation of Bald Eagles. In November, Center staff released the 800th Bald Eagle back to the wild since the Center opened in 1979. In total, the Raptor Trauma Clinic team treated over 800 patients in 2025, including Bald Eagles, Ospreys, hawks, owls, American Kestrels, vultures, and kites.
