The Center’s approximately 110 ambassador birds each play a vital role in environmental education, helping visitors form direct connections with wildlife. Whether in free flight demonstration or up close on a trainer’s glove, these encounters make abstract environmental issues like habitat loss, climate change, and decline in biodiversity feel real and urgent. Their presence allows visitors to bridge observation to understanding; where each encounter reflects not just the individual bird, but the broader environment it represents.

One species that helps us share impactful stories is the Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis). This July, the Center acquired a male Aplomado hatched as a part of a conservation breeding program in Arizona and he has already made a lasting impact on our educational programs. Through gravity-fueled dives and dramatic twists and turns in pursuit of a lure, he captivates guests as he moves with speed and precision. During this demonstration, Center educators not only comment on the amazing behaviors occurring in real time but also provide information on the impacts of declining habitat and conservation efforts currently under way to ensure the survival of the species. 

The audience reaction is immediate and unfiltered. In these moments, the focus shifts from simply watching a bird and recognizing what it is capable of, to the awareness that birds and humans are profoundly connected and why that matters. Ultimately, these experiences may inspire visitors to care more deeply about conservation and adopt more environmentally responsible behaviors benefiting humans and birds alike.