• Home
  • Our History
    • Meet Anne and Paul
  • Feedback About Our Programs
  • Meet the Birds
    • Defiant (Peregrine Falcon)
    • Bronson (Lanner Falcon)
    • Goliath & Andromeda (Eagle Owls)
    • Hilda (African Hawk Eagle)
    • Odin & Coda (Harris’s Hawks)
    • Emily (Swainson’s Hawk)
    • Marlee (Barn Owl)
    • Stihl & Timber (Saw-whet Owls)
    • Leopold (Bald Eagle)
    • Charlie (American Kestrel)
    • Ellis (Golden Eagle)
  • Programs
    • Amazing Adventures in Learning & Conservation
  • Links
  • Contact Us
  • Institute for Environmental Learning
  • Get Involved

Arizona's Raptor Experience

Where our focus is your experience.

History Goes In Circles: ‘The past resembles the future more than one drop of water resembles another.’ 
–Ibn Khaldun (1332-1406)

Our History

“Conservation is best approached afield with a shovel, fire, hammer and nails, axe or some other tool rather than from a sofa, armchair or computer screen!” 


–  P. Schnell 02.26.2016 



DSC_0239Arizona’s Raptor Experience, LLC was formed when Paul and Anne Schnell, its co-owners, moved to Arizona from upstate New York in 2015. The Schnells ran the Institute for Environmental Learning (IEL) which incorporated in 1992 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization in the state of New York. Having similar goals, the Schnell’s own and operate the two businesses in Arizona and continue the mission of IEL which is to elevate people’s awareness and most importantly encourage their participation in conservation efforts.

Clients are sometimes surprised to learn that, unlike the vast majority of conservation organizations today, Paul and Anne will NEVER accept a cent of taxpayer’s money (e.g. government or private grant dollars).  Their business model is built upon hard work, clear goals, transparency, honesty and providing virtually unheard of opportunities and experiences for conservation-minded, science-driven visitors!

Conversation or Conservation?
There are the conservation talkers and then there are the conservation doers. The Schnell’s repurposed home and three raptor mews are located on 40 acres at 5000′ elevation and serves as a potent demonstration of responsible actions homeowners can pursue that meaningfully benefit the environment and wildlife. The property utilizes solar power (2015), rainwater collection, xeriscaping, water features, a fruit orchard (2016) and native plantings for wildlife, and nest boxes for American Kestrels, Western Screech Owls and Western Bluebirds. As veteran naturalists, Paul and Anne try to practice every day what they teach their visitors.
 

Articles (Click link to view.)

  • Boy Scouts and bald eagle converge on new Finger Lakes Museum campus
  • Parma couple spreads the word on raptors, Democrat and Chronicle Article
  • Paul Schnell honored by NYSOWA
  • Taking Wing (Page 1)
  • Taking Wing (Page 2)
  • Do It: Rock star eagle being remembered

The Three Mews – Parthenon, Lyceum, Coliseum

Kazakh Eagle Hunters & Huntress

Aishopan the heroine of the documentary ‘The Eagle Huntress'. Click to view an exclusive peak into the lives of the Kazahh Eagle Hunters & Huntress.
Kazakh Eagle Hunter in Olgii Mongolia at the Blue Wolf Golden Eagle Festival.

Like Us on Facebook

Like Us on Facebook

Read Brendan’s Owl Experience

Read about 9 year old Brendan's memorable Owl encounter at Arizona's Raptor Experience

Newsletters

Read all of our newsletters online HERE.
Owl with Flag
Baby Goliath on a Harley
Andromeda at 3 Weeks Old
“We must go and see for ourselves.” Jacques Cousteau
Peregrine Falcon
Lyra and Luna
Birthday Party Made Special with Live Birds!
Paul, Sharps Rifle, and 1800 Pound Bison Bull
Just how big is a bald eagle's nest?
Anne with a Peregrine Falcon
Copyright © 2021 || All raptor photos taken by Paul Schnell.