Ambassadors
Talon Ridge Raptor Institute’s ambassador raptors serve as powerful messengers, bridging the gap between people and wildlife. By working alongside these birds in programs, events, and more, we create engaging, firsthand experiences that inspire conservation action, build understanding, and foster a shared path toward protecting raptors and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Wicca
Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
Hatched on May 1, 2025, at Southwick's Zoo in Mendon, Massachusetts, Wicca has made her way down the East Coast and has settled nicely into her East Tennessee home. While still young, she is expected to excite and enhance our educational programming by providing the audience an opportunity to see this stunning species up close and personal, not to mention showing off her power and elegance through free-flight displays!
“This is a huge milestone for our organization,” said John Simcox, President & Executive Director of Talon Ridge Raptor Institute. “The addition of Wicca to our team will not only allow us to fulfill our mission to educate the public on raptors and birds of prey, but she will help us continue to develop and establish critical community connections that will help propel our organization into the future.”
Eurasian Eagle-Owls (Bubo bubo) are the largest species of owl in the world and are known by their striking orange eyes, mottled feathers, and feathery ear tufts. Their conservation status is considered “Least Concern,” and they are found throughout Europe and Asia. 🌏 They are considered “apex predators” in their natural habitat and often hunt a variety of prey such as rodents, fish, reptiles, and even other birds!