Audubon's animal ambassadors

            A boisterous group of 50 kindergarteners from the Melrose School in Jamestown gathered at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in January for a morning of lessons and activities about animal adaptations, wildlife habitat and other topics. They were clearly excited as they participated in a scavenger hunt and discussed the diet and behavior of owls.

            Then, with legs crossed and enthusiasm temporarily contained, they waited patiently for what would undoubtedly be the highlight of the day – a visit from Eec, a live barred owl that serves as an animal ambassador during educational programs around the state. Perched on the gloved hand of Sharon Riley, Audubon’s education and animal care specialist, Eec calmly peered around at the assembled children, who were filled with unending awe for the bird.

            In response to questions posed by environmental educator Lisa Maloney, the children noted the bird’s camouflaged appearance, its yellowish beak, the location of its ears, and many

Sharon Riley with Eec, a barred owl

other features that make owls such successful predators and so endearing to people of all ages. And when the bird was finally carried back to its cage, the children yearned for more time with the distinguished bird.

            “It’s one thing to tell them about an owl,” said Riley. “But what they’re going to remember most is seeing that owl. Having the ability to bring an animal to a school group closeup like that is something that’s much more meaningful than just a discussion. It gives them a real connection with the natural world.”

            Eec – named for the initials of the Nature Center’s former name, the Environmental Education Center – is one of more than a dozen raptors, reptiles and other creatures that play a vital role as animal ambassadors in Audubon’s popular environmental education programs. Along with hawks, ravens, a falcon, turtles, snakes, hissing cockroaches and tidepool animals, Eec and his fellow owls command attention in a roomful of curious children and adults, and they distinguish Audubon from the many other organizations that offer environmental science programs in the region.

            “Audubon is known for its birds, so being open to taking in an injured bird and showcasing it in our programs is a natural fit,” said Lauren Parmalee, director of education. “We can go all over the state with these animals, and people are especially fascinated by owls. They help us hook the audience in.

“Teachers know that to get science concepts across, it helps to have some kind of special guest in the classroom,” she added. “There’s nothing like a first-person observation.”

It’s obvious by the student reaction that the visit by Eec was impactful.

“My kids are totally excited when they see the owl,” said Beverly Green, one of three Melrose School teachers who brought her students to the Nature Center. “Most have never seen an owl, and they’re very curious and want to know why it’s here and not out in the wild. It’s an amazing experience for them.”

Green and her colleagues Colleen MacIntyre and Jane Mitchell have participated in Audubon education programs with animal ambassadors every year for more than 15 years, and they say that it helps spark an interest in nature.

“We talk with our students about owls ahead of time, but to see one in real life is a very special moment for them,” said MacIntyre. “They get very quiet at first. They’re just so amazed that they’re allowed to see a live animal.”

Audubon has been offering educational programs featuring live animals since its earliest days. Archived photographs show Audubon’s former executive director, Al Hawkes, holding a turtle with children in a classroom setting in the 1960s.

“They probably used animals to talk about nature in a similar way that we do now,” said Parmalee. “The animal’s life history, habitat, how they fit into the food chain, why we should value them. It’s the Audubon message.”

That message is more easily conveyed when audiences are engaged with an animal ambassador, especially an owl or hawk.

“All of us who work in environmental education are trying to get the same message across, and our animals help us do that. They are our niche,” Parmalee said. “In the same way that Save The Bay has a boat, the birds make us stand out and help us bring our message of the importance of biodiversity, habitat conservation and good science.”

The animals – all of which are either unreleasable due to an injury or were former pets – clearly do their job well.

“The first thing that happens – even at our Owls and Ales program for people over age 21 – is that wide-eyed ‘oh, wow’ moment,” said Parmalee. “The owls, especially, bring out the awe in people.”

              Parmalee recalled a family event in the Nature Center lobby when one of Audubon’s red-tailed hawks was brought into the room, and the adults were as engaged as the children. “The adults turn into kids,” she said. Similarly, during school programs, it is not uncommon for school administrators, staff and teachers to wander into the classroom from all corners of the building just to get a glimpse of one...

Read the rest of this article in the March 2019 issue of  Audubon Report.