The one day of the year SORCO Raptor Recovery Centre is open to the public has been postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Originally scheduled for May 3 this year, manager Dale Belvedere blamed the uncertainty of what the future holds because of the virus for the postponement.
“This is our largest fundraiser each year, and the only day we are open to the public so this was a very difficult decision,” said Belvedere. “We want to do our part to keep everyone healthy and safe and trust that it is in the best interest of the general public, our donors, supporters and volunteers.”
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According to the manager the facility is still in operation of helping injured and ill birds of prey.
Located north of Oliver SORCO receives nearly 200 birds annually in need of care at the facility which is designed to offer that specialized care in a stress-free environment which is the reason the public is not allowed at the site, with the exception of once a year.
At this time it’s not known if another date will be selected for the open house due to the logistics of holding such an event according to the manager.
SORCO relies heavily on the donations and grants from individuals, foundations and companies to do the work it does. It is the only facility of its type to provide those services in the entire Okanagan Valley.
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