University of Minnesota honors Patrick Redig, cofounder of The Raptor Center, with prestigious alumni award

Dr. Patrick Redig, cofounder of The Raptor Center and resident of Scandia, Minn, has received the University of Minnesota’s highest non-degree award for distinguished alumni, the Outstanding Achievement Award. He was presented the award on May 12 at the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Dean Reception.

“I can only accept this award with the understanding that it also acknowledges the thousands of people—staff members, students, volunteers, donors, agency personnel, and the University of Minnesota—that have been inspired by my passion and contributed generously and ceaselessly to ensuring the well-being of raptors and the world we share,” Redig said. 

Redig helped create The Raptor Center, which is the recognized “gold standard” in raptor medicine, rehabilitation, education and conservation. Today, the center treats more than 1,000 injured raptors annually. Redig is regarded as the “father of avian orthopedics” for his development of groundbreaking surgical techniques to repair a bird’s delicate and strong bones. He also made important contributions to the development of safe and effective anesthesia agents and protocols for their use in avian patients in addition to a host of other novel clinical procedures

Over his nearly 50-year career, Redig was a tireless advocate for eliminating lead exposure to raptors. His research resulted in a nationwide ban on lead ammunition for waterfowl hunting in 1991. He co-led and was an integral participant in the successful reintroduction of the peregrine falcon in the Midwestern United States and south-central Canada. He earned a reputation as a visionary mentor and educator to students and veterinarians worldwide in raptor medicine, surgery and conservation.

Redig, 76, continues to advocate for the removal of lead from the environment, a persistent toxin that annually poisons countless numbers of avian species and other wildlife. He grew up in Hibbing, Minn., attended Crosier Prep School in Onamia, and graduated high school in Alexandria, Minn.. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from St. Cloud State University in 1970. He went on to earn his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1974 and his Ph.D. in 1980 from the University of Minnesota.