Our newest animal ambassador, the female Gyrfalcon, hatched in May 2021 and arrived at the nature center at just three weeks of age. Not only is this the largest falcon species in the world, but this raptor is an apex predator in the north Arctic, reaching speeds of up to 130 mph while hunting. As the Gyrfalcon grows into adulthood, she will be able to serve as an ambassador for her species and the many other animals that face uncertain futures in the face of climate change.

Sunriver’s thriving swan family is critical to the success of a restored Oregon Trumpeter Swan population. Your sponsorship provides the necessary funds to feed, monitor, and maintain the swans on Lake Aspen year-round. By sponsoring Sunriver’s Trumpeter Swan family you are helping to restore Oregon’s natural heritage by supporting local conservation initiatives that have large scale impacts on the future of Trumpeter Swans as a species.

Hatched in 2020, the Eurasian Eagle-owl is also one of the largest species of owl in the world. Thanks to her training, this owl is one of our best educational tools, working alongside staff and volunteers to visit schools, and participate in events and programs in our community as an ambassador of bird diversity and conservation.

Aquila, the Golden Eagle, is in her sunset years (born in 1982) and has lived at the nature center longer than any other current animal. Although blind in both eyes and retired from off-site programs, Aquila continues to inspire thousands of visitors and school children each year through her remarkable story of survival and resilience.

Ron, the Swainson’s Hawk came to SNCO after being rescued as a young bird. He’s spent most of his life with humans which means he’s very comfortable working alongside our staff and volunteers to educate visitors about raptor ecology and natural history. Ron is currently being trained to become a program ambassador so that he can visit schools and attend community events.

Joe, the Great Horned Owl was struck by a car, an all too common fate for many birds of prey. Due to his head injury and loss of vision in one eye, Joe could not be returned to the wild and came to live at the nature center in 2014.  As the face of SNCO (our logo depicts a Great Horned Owl), Joe’s story of rehabilitation helps us educate others about the importance of wildlife habitat and how to coexist with and protect birds.

Each year Michael the Three-toed Box Turtle and Gandalf the Bearded Dragon, visit with thousands of K-12 students in the classroom and at SNCO. Whether they are learning about animal adaptations, behavior, or diversity, a child’s up close and personal encounter with a  turtle or lizard, is a great way to inspire a life-long passion for wildlife.

When visitors step into the creature cave they can explore the vast diversity of reptiles amphibians native to Oregon. From a threatened Oregon Spotted Frog, the elusive Rubber Boa, to the colorful but toxic Rough-skinned newts – each animal is special and has a story to tell.

Sunriver is known as a birding hotspot in Central Oregon and over 150 species have been recorded from the nature center. SNCO supports the wild birds of Sunriver through a year-round bird feeder station and by maintaining and monitoring bird houses throughout our grounds.