HOME
Last Chance Forever: The Bird of Prey Conservancy

Important Notice to our friends and supporters

Dear Friends and supporters of Last Chance Forever,

I must humbly and deeply apologize for a troubling situation we are in...

Dear Friends and supporters of Last Chance Forever,

I must humbly and deeply apologize for a troubling situation we are in. Our former accountant, who had been with the organization from its beginning, suffered a personal and family health crisis. He fell behind in reporting to the IRS, and did not inform us of his struggles personally or professionally.

On October 23, 2023 we received notice from the IRS that no non-profit organization wants to hear. The IRS had revoked our tax exempt status due to the missed filings, retroactive to February 2023.

We have a letter from our former accountant explaining his lack of actions that will be forwarded to the IRS with the other necessary paperwork. I take full responsibility for this situation, as I should have been asking more questions of him. Not being a financial professional, I did not see red flags until it was too late.

We feel we will have this problem resolved soon, with our status reinstated after filings are brought up to date with the help of a new accountant. However, for the time being, your donations beginning February 1, 2023 can not be claimed as a tax deduction to a 501(c)(3) entity. Please consult your tax professional for information befitting your specific situation. Once our status is reinstated, those donations should become eligible for deduction. We will, of course, keep you up to date.

We ask for your faith, patience, and understanding. We continue to do what we do the best, caring for sick, injured and orphaned birds of prey. I am personally devastated and embarrassed, and am losing sleep over this situation. We ask for your kindest thoughts as we are doing our very best to resolve this issue as rapidly as possible.

Thank you,

John Karger
Executive Director / Founder
Last Chance Forever


Page Image

Section Image
Icon

As founder and Executive Director of Last Chance Forever, The Bird of Prey Conservancy, John Anthony Karger is responsible for the overall operation of the organization. He is a Master Falconer, Certified Veterinary Technician, and recipient of a Bio-engineering behavior certification from Southwest Research Institute. He holds wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and educational permits to care for and teach about native wildlife including endangered species. His educational background is in the wildlife and veterinary sciences.

For over 30 years, Mr. Karger has been deeply involved in wildlife rehabilitation releasing well over 2000 birds. The impact of his work is national, and international.

His educational programs offered to the public have touched upon well over a million people exposing them to the importance of birds of prey and their living within a healthy ecosystem. These programs are known for their promoting a common sense attitude regarding conservation of our ecosystem. He currently directs and performs an average of threehundred and fifty educational programs annually, reaching an audience of approximately 250,000 people throughout Texas and the United States.

He serves on committees for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

Mr. Karger has been represented with favorable notice in the print and television media, such as "Good Morning America", “Wild Rescues” on the Discovery Channel, and “Beyond 2000” on the National Geographic Channel. He serves or has served as an advisor to a variety of nature programs for the B.B.C., The Minnesota Raptor Center, The Pueblo Raptor Center, Texas Falconry Advisory Board, and Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical School.

Education
  • Certified Veterinary Technician, certification issued through Texas A&M University and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association

  • Bio-engineering Behavioral Technician certification from Southwest Research Institute
Recognition
  • 1995 - Star of Texas Preservation - Gillespie County Historical Society

  • 1998 - Conservation Education Award - San Antonio Master Naturalists

  • 1998 - Outstanding Wildlife Educator Award - Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Law Enforcement Division

  • 2003 (April) - Cover article in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Departments magazine
Permits

Mr. Karger holds Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and United States Fish and Wildlife Service permits for:
  • Master class Falconer

  • Rescue and rehabilitation of protected wildlife species including the threatened and endangered.

  • Possession of threatened and endangered species for educational purposes.


Save a Raptor. Donate to last Chance Forever

SUPPORT LCF! JOIN US AT THESE EVENTS

Seaworld banner
Kerrville Renfest Banner
Come join us at the Kerrville Renaissance Festival.

Jan 24-26, 2019 and Feb 1-2, 2020

Join us at the Kerrville Rennaissance Festival

Tickets will be held in your name at the box office.

Adult$9.95
Child 5-12$5.95
3 Day Pass$22.00

Eagle Fest Banner
Come join us in the Eagle Capital of Texas.

Jan 28-29, 2017

Wings over Boerne  Banner
Wings Over the Hills Banner April 28, 2017

April 4 - May 25, 2020
Weekends and Memorial Day Monday
10 AM to 7 PM

Harvest Moon Celebration


Join us for a day in the country and a night with the owls!

Oct 26, 2019

DONATE TODAY

I Want to Give a Bird a Chance Today

Select your donation



Your donation of $ will be made on the of each month until . You may cancel at any time.





• Other ways to help LCF •