SAN ANTONIO — Last Chance Forever is a rehab center for injured birds of prey in San Antonio. John Karger has been running the place for years. 

"Primarily it's hawks and owls, eagles, falcons and vultures, screech owls and barn owls," said Karger.

The list includes all kinds of flying wildlife that need Karger's help. He's been caring for animals as long as he can remember.

"When I was very young my mother always had things around the house that needed caring for. She basically explained to me that we truly needed to take care of those who didn't have a voice," said Karger.

The goal is to help the birds heal and release them back into the wild. The center took off thanks to one woman.

"Through the graciousness of Barbara Bowman, she allowed Last Chance Forever to have the piece of property so that we could move forward giving to the state, the United States and the world a good caring facility for these birds," said Karger.

But the center had to make some changes when injured birds arrived. The initial checkup is done outside with every precaution due to the bird flu. 

"Its been found in bears, dolphins and birds. So, it's jumping into mammals and we're trying to keep it from jumping into human[s]," said Karger.

Birds that end up at the center are quarantined to make sure they don't have the disease. Most of the injured birds are from Texas and the southwest.  Not all of them will head home.

"Some that can't be put back into the wild are used for educational programs. Some are sent to nature centers. Some are sent to zoological parks," said Karger.

But most of the birds end up being released back into the wild. It's a cycle of life Karger knows all too well.

"A tiny bit of me goes with every one of these birds. By releasing them, I know what I would want for myself. I know I would want to be set free."