The Raptor Center of Tampa Bay would like to extend a invitation to you to the third annual Wonders of Wildlife Festival.

With rehabilitation and education as our main focus, the Raptor Center of Tampa Bay is passionate about educating and inspiring the next generation of nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and conservation champions so that we will all be able to enjoy Florida’s diverse wildlife in the future.

The Wonders of Wildlife Festival will provide guests with the unique opportunity to see some of Florida’s native species up close; birds of prey, skunks, an albino opossum, snakes, tortoises and more, demonstrations, wildlife programs, live animal presentations, artists, exhibits, and hands-on activities while learning about sustainability, conservation efforts, and threats to our wildlife.

Festival tickets will be $15 each for adults and children under 18 years old will be given free entry when accompanied by an adult.

Happenings:

Knight Wings - Shows at 11:00 and 2:00. Come see a live Bald Eagle, Perigrine Falcon, Harris Hawk,and others. This is a great show that you cannot see anywhere else in the Tampa Bay area.

Bizbie Priori will be back. Come watch her work on a painting live and in person!

Camp Bayou and Paleo Fossil Museum Preserve - Did you know we had a Fossil Museum in the area? Learn all about it.

Creative Junk Therapy- Our mission is to provide resources for enrichment through art and creation using salvaged materials. Our goal is to encourage artistic expression for future generations while benefiting our environment by keeping reusable items from our landfills.

Enviornmental Protection Agency of Hillsborough County

Florida Muscovy Duck Sanctuary will be there with live ducks.

Forested Wetlands Conservation - Learn about Forested wetlands. Sit down in the cool shade of the forest and hear a story about the wildlife that lives in the forested wetland.

Friends of Tampa Bay Refuges - Come stop by and find out about national wildlife refuges and nature.

FWC - skulls, taxidermy coyote and bobcat, pelts field equipment and other wild animal related stuff.

Hillsborough County ELLAP information about parks, like Medard Park and how the land is managed through prescribed fire.

JT’s Reptiles - Come see some great reptiles, scorpions, tarantulas and much more.

Live Birds of Prey - Meet Puck, The Crested Caracara her two sidekicks, Moon Pie and Carmin that are Eastern Screech Owls. Get your picture taken with a live bird. .

Manatee Viewing Center - Come hear all about how manatees are tracked and why the manatee rely on the canal by Big Ben Powerplant in the winter.

Marsh Wetlands and Sandhill Cranes - Learn the four types of wetlands and why they are critical for our wildlife. Learn how to make an origami crane, paint a Raptor Center Bird house. and get your picture taken with a big plush alligator!

Mermaid Zone - You can put on a mermaid tail and take selfies in front of our ocean back drop. There are several fun things to do in the mermaid zone,

Nature’s Guardians - A free nature club for kids. See our current program schedule and learn how you can be a Nature’s Guardians member.

Ocean Conservation - Learn what manatees and mermaids have in common.  Do you know what animals are endangered in our oceans and what you can do to help?  You may even get to meet a live mermaid! And you just may get your picture with her!

Photo Back Drops and Selfie Stations - Be prepared to be silly!  We have a variety of backdrops and selfie photos where you and your friends can hang out and have fun.  Come get your face painted!

Sweeties BBQ - Enjoy the best brisket you will ever taste! Get it early, they will sell out! There is even a Chill Zone where you can relax and sit in a pavilion and enjoy delicious pork, cole slaw, and traditional southern barbeque.

The Kids Zone - Ocean and Owl crafts and get our own unique coloring pages.

Tampa Audubon Society - Join them for a bird walk prior to the festival. See and hear all about what’s happening locally with Audubon.

Tampa Bay Bats - See live bats! Francine from Tampa Bay Bats will be doing a presentation. Check the presentation schedule for more information.

The Raptor Center Booth - Come and meet our new Animal Ambassadors

The Rookery - See how we put baby birds back up in nests.  Play Barn Owl Bean Bag Toss, see real birds' nests and learn all about baby owls.

Face Painting - Have fun with a small cute or full-face painting!

Seaside Seabird Sanctuary - They will have a variety of live birds of prey and information on the sanctuary.

Date: November 11, 2023

Time: 10:00 am - 4:30 pm

Location: Edward Medard Conservation Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Road, Plant City, FL 33567

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