Founder and Executive Director Walter C. Crawford, Jr.

World Bird Sanctuary was founded in 1977 by Ornithologist Walter C. Crawford, Jr. Crawford began his career at the St. Louis Zoo working closely with the Zoo's Director and Wild Kingdom Star Marlin Perkins. Recognizing a need for an organization dedicated to birds of prey, Crawford began his life's work.

Today, Crawford continues to direct the organization he founded. He also travels nationwide to speak at conventions and banquets with his humorous and inspirational message of environmental conservation.

Originally named the Raptor Rehabilitation & Propagation Project (RRPP), the World Bird Sanctuary's roots are deep.

The original volunteer staff of RRPP consisted of (left to right) Jim Kapusiak, Susie Sutton, Steve Rapp and founder Walter C. Crawford, Jr.

The land that housed the RRPP formerly belonged to the U.S. Army, who used the area as a munitions depot during WWII. Many of RRPP's first bird buildings were old Army facilities. "A" Barn, as this building was called, was used to house RRPP's breeding department. The U.S. Army's Administration Offices were initially housed in this facility.

"B" Barn was RRPP's rehabilitation facility. Coincidentally, the U.S. Army used this building as a hospital for the soldiers.

"D" Barn had a special purpose for RRPP. It provided housing for injured eagles brought to RRPP that, due to the nature of their injuries, were unable to be released back into the wild. While the U.S. Army was in residence they used the facility as their shower/latrine facility for the nearby barracks.

How we have grown! The Raptor Rehabilitation Project is now known as the World Bird Sanctuary. With a full time staff of 25, WBS' new facility is home to over 350 creatures and is located on 130 acres of Missouri wilderness. One thing that has stayed the same is the dedication of Founder and Executive Director Walter C. Crawford, Jr. Crawford's son Brian (pictured) grew up surrounded by hawks, owls, eagles and vultures. Today, Brian's son Brendan will grow up knowing his Grandfather made a difference to many species of wildlife, including humans.