The mean time to initial reversal response (MTIRR) and the mean time to perching (MTP) were measured in 34 raptors sedated with xylazine hydrochloride with dosages ranging from 1.0 to 20 mg/kg intravenously (i.v.) and 2.5 to 20.0 mg/kg intramuscularly (i.m). Yohimbine hydrochloride, given i.v. (0.2 mg/kg), 30 min after the injection of the xylazine, shortened the MTIRR and MTP compared to the controls. No adverse effects were noted due to the use of yohimbine. Yohimbine appeared to be a safe and effective antagonist for xylazine sedation in raptors.