PERMANENT RESIDENTS
Meet & Sponsor An Ambassador Bird
Our ambassador birds are non-releasable raptors who help us raise awareness and educate the public about these fascinating and important creatures.
Beak
Beak is a male Great Horned Owl whose story is one of intervention and imprinting. As a young owlet, he was found in someone's dog's mouth. The finders tried to raise him until they identified his species and brought him in for rehabilitation and release.
Unfortunately, Beak was too accustomed to human interaction and kept returning to the center begging for food. Because he cannot survive in the wild, he became a spectacular and vital part of our educational team.
Fizzgig
“Fizzgig” the fierce, is a female Eastern Screech owl. She came to us as a young owlet through UT veterinary hospital, with a badly injured shoulder. Her nest tree had reportedly been cut down with her and her family in it. While she can be aloof, she has a sweet side as well.
Little Dude
Our eldest ambassador: LittleDude is a male Barred Owl. His educational work predates Owl Ridge Raptor center, and he once was an ambassador for one of my mentors, Lynne McCoy. Littledude is 19 years old!!!
Thistle
Thistle, our female Barn Owl came to us in a similar manner to Beak; a well meaning person had been raising her until they realized that owls don’t make good pets, but they are also illegal to keep due to their federally protected status. By the time we got her she was far too dependent on humans. She is very friendly (by owl standards) and as charming as she is clever.
Nugget
Nugget, is an Eastern Screech Owl. He came to us several years ago after his nest-tree was blown down in a storm. He survived, but had some wing injuries that never healed well enough for him to be released. He is very gregarious and makes a great educational ambassador!
Astrid
Astrid is an American Kestrel, the smallest and most common falcon in North America. These birds are known for their colorful plumage and their distinctive hunting style of hovering in the air before diving down to catch prey.
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