Today we’d like to introduce you to Abbey Krumrie.
Hi Abbey, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
A graduate of UW-Stevens Point, I originally went to school to be a zookeeper or wildlife biologist. I have loved birds for as long as I can remember, and since I needed to complete an internship for my captive wildlife minor, I worked at the National Eagle Center for a summer. There, I met my now husband and co-founder of River Valley Raptors, Inc. While in college. I did several other internships with animal husbandry before realizing my passion was working with raptors and environmental education. After I graduated, I worked at the National Eagle Center for a year before leaving for a position as Education Director at Raptor Education Group, Inc in Antigo, WI. I spent 4 years there working with various raptors and other birds when my husband and I found we wanted to move back to the driftless area where we both grew up. That was when we founded River Valley Raptors, Inc. Our main goals are conservation education of the driftless area and encouraging kids to get outdoors! As a family, we have participated in the 1000-hours outdoors challenge! We also spend our free time hunting with our falconry birds and flying birds for local rehabbers for release!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
We started with 3 birds and, due to the number of program requests, quickly grew our collection to the 15 raptors we currently have. Unfortunately, we do not have the time to find local investors, so we rely solely on the donations we receive from our program fees. My husband and I work other jobs and do most of our weekend programs. The money we receive goes back to the birds for food and enrichment as we are not paid.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I recently quit my other job teaching an outdoor preschool to focus on River Valley Raptors. I am a certified professional bird trainer and spend hours working with our birds using positive reinforcement methods to get them comfortable in front of people. I am most proud of my program’s style, getting children excited about raptors and getting outside to see what our local areas offer.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
The National Eagle Center gave me my first opportunity with raptors and was the starting point to where I am today. It is also where I met my life partner in this crazy adventure of birds! My husband also deserves credit for never telling me no when I want to add another ambassador to our team or raise several baby owls in the house. The International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators has been huge in introducing me to mentors such as Kit Lacey of Cascades Raptor Center and giving me a set of values to adhere to.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rivervalleyraptors.or
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/river_valley_raptors/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rivervalleyraptors
Image Credits
Jonathan Ringdahl Chris Karraker
