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Our goal

Continuing the Dream of Dan Deuel

In the spirit of world peace, Free Flight Bird Rehabilitation and Education Center is dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife and the education of the public with an emphasis on conservation, preservation, responsibility and respect. -- Dan Deuel 1946-2006

Why RehabILITATE BIRDS?

it's in our nature to help

It is human NATURE to feel compassion and empathy. Our desire to interact, get involved, and offer assistance, rather than watch animals suffer and die demonstrates our sensitivity . “Nature” is defined as “the inherent quality or basic constitution of a person or thing.”
(Ed., Merriam-Webster Dictionary and Thesaurus, 2008 ed.)

More often than not, wildlife injuries are the result of a collision with the human environment. Power
lines, automobiles, windows, feral and domestic cats are just a few examples. Human existence impacts
an abundance of species on a daily basis across our shared planet. Therefore, Humans have the responsibility to provide care for those animals affected by our activities, and an obligation to endeavor to right the wrong, however inadvertent the injury.

Rehabilitation Centers require a State and Federal license. These unique facilities must possess the knowledge, expertise, time, skill, and capacity to provide care for the injured wildlife. “Rehabbers” (as the care givers are called) are charged with the responsibility of diagnosing and assessing the infirmity, and ultimately determining whether the animal is able to be released. Factors considered include type of injury or disease and whether the animal has been imprinted by human contact. In addition species and status in the environment must be considered. If a bird has made a recovery within the rehab facility, but is still unable to be released back into the wild due one circumstance or another, it may play a role in the public education process. The Education Programs teach respect of the animals and encourage the public to realize we can coexist with all forms of nature without adversely impacting or threatening their environment or our own.

In the unfortunate event that a bird in our care does not survive, the cadavers are used as study tools.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife collects the bodies which are utilized in many aspects of our biological sciences. Rehabilitation Centers amass ongoing data to assist in determining avenues of conservation. Conservation is essential to the preservation of our planet and it's inhabitants.

Rehabilitation of wildlife continues to evolve and play an important and necessary role in our lives. It is vital for mankind to understand the importance of each and every species. It ultimately is our responsibility to act as “Stewards” of our planet.

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To visit FreeFlight, please call 541-347-3882 to arrange an appointment. A Donation is kindly requested and very much appreciated. There is a map on the CONTACT page.

What should I do if I find an injured/ stranded bird or marine mammal?
If possible, you should put an injured bird in a box with air holes, no food or water and use newspaper not a towel as a floor cover.
Call 541-347-3882 or deliver to FREE FLIGHT. For mammals call 1-800-452-7888 (Oregon State Police) or (Jim Rice) 541-867-0446 jim.rice@oregonstate.edu
or call 541-270-6830 OSU Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline

You'll find the address and map to Free Flight on the CONTACT page of this site.

Free Flight Bird Rehabilitation and Education Center (Free Flight) is a state and federally licensed wildlife hospital – the only one of its kind on the Oregon coast. The south coast of Oregon is rich in wildlife and habitat diversity. State jurisdiction for response to injured/orphaned marine mammals is now with the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Free Flight continues its mission and focus to rescue, rehabilitate, and hopefully release, avian wildlife. The citizens of the south coast of Oregon have the primary responsibility for conservation of biological diversity. Free Flight is here to provide the respite care, and to further education toward the successful conservation and preservation of our planet and its inhabitants.
We hope you'll consider becoming a supporter of Free Flight's efforts. You can also help Free Flight by contributing, shopping and volunteering.
In 1975 Dan moved to Bandon, Oregon. He was determined to find a useful place in life where he could be part of the solution and not the problem. Attending an Audubon Society meeting in 1976, the need for a facility like Free Flight to serve the Oregon Coast and its bird and marine mammal population became clear. Dan determined to provide that service. Free Flight continues today and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.