Fire destroys raptor enclosure at Edgerton

Bald eagle rescued by a police officer; 3 birds perished 

  • Fire destroys raptor exhibit at Edgerton.
    Fire destroys raptor exhibit at Edgerton.
  • Firefighters inspect the damage after extinguishing the Friday morning fire at the Explorit Center.
    Firefighters inspect the damage after extinguishing the Friday morning fire at the Explorit Center.

    Firefighters and Edgerton officials inspect the damage on the back side of the Explorit Center after fire destroyed the raptor enclosure Friday morning. 

    An early morning fire destroyed the raptor enclosure on the east side of the Edgerton Explorit Center in Aurora on Friday. Edgerton officials say the bald eagle, Aquila, was saved by a law enforcement officer who broke open the cage and brought the bird out, however, the three other birds in the exhibit were killed in the fire. 

    At about 10 a.m. Friday, the Edgerton Explorit Center released the following statement:

    This morning, a fire occurred at the Edgerton Explorit Center in our raptor enclosure. We are heartbroken to share that three of our beloved raptors were lost in the incident — Doc, our Eastern Screech Owl; Roy, our Swainson’s Hawk; and Chetan, our American Kestrel.
    These birds were part of our family. They served as incredible education ambassadors, helping thousands of students and families across Nebraska learn about wildlife, conservation, and the natural world. We are devastated by their loss and the absence they leave in our program and our hearts.
    Our bald eagle, Aquila, who we are not sure if he was affected by smoke inhalation and is currently being treated at Park’s Veterinary Clinic in Grand Island, where he will receive care in an oxygen chamber and close monitoring to ensure the best possible recovery.
    The Edgerton Explorit Center will be closed for the next few days as we clean, assess damage, and ensure the facility is safe for visitors, staff, and animals.
    While we are grieving, we remain deeply committed to our mission. The raptor program has touched countless lives, and we will move forward with determination to rebuild and continue this important work in honor of the birds we lost.
    For those who have asked how they can help, donations to support rebuilding the raptor program can be made at:
    Edgerton Explorit Center
    208 16th Street
    Aurora, NE 68818; or online at https://edgerton.org/support-us/donate/
    We are grateful for the outpouring of support and compassion from our community during this incredibly difficult time.

    Early Friday afternoon Edgerton officials posted the following message on the center's Facebook page regarding the temporary closure of the the Explorit Center.

    Due to the recent fire at the Edgerton Explorit Center, we will remain closed while we complete cleanup and ensure the building is safe for visitors and staff. We currently anticipate being closed at least through February 23.

    This has been a difficult time for our team, but our focus is on caring for our staff and animals, restoring the space, and moving forward with the important work we do for our community.

    We extend our heartfelt thanks to the 4 firefighters and police officers who responded so quickly and safely got Aquila out — you are true heroes. We are also incredibly grateful to our community for the outpouring of support, kind messages, and willingness to help during this time.

    We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this process and will share updates as they become available.