The World Bird Sanctuary is located within Lone Elk County Park in Valley Park, Missouri on 305 acres of forested land. The Sanctuary was founded in 1977 by Ornithologist Walter C. Crawford, Jr. who saw a need for a facility for the preservation and study of birds of prey. The Sanctuary has a wildlife hospital, educational programs, nature trails, picnic facilities, live animal presentations in their amphitheater and live birds on display. It is $8 per car to enter the World Bird Sanctuary which is open 8am to 5pm every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. There are some programs which charge a fee, call for availability. Special events and open houses are held throughout the year.