Remembering Our Ambassadors
Celebrating the Lives That Inspired Conservation
These beloved ambassadors may no longer be with us, but their impact lives on through every lesson they helped teach and every person they inspired to care for wildlife. Each of them played a special role in connecting our community to the natural world, reminding us why rescue, rehabilitation, and respect for wildlife matter.
Gone But Not Forgotten
“The animal shall not be measured by man.
In a world older and more complete than ours,
they move finished and complete,
gifted with extensions of the senses
we have lost or never attained.”
— Henry Beston, The Outermost House (1928)
Shadow
Barred Owl
Shadow, our 23-year-old Barred Owl, was one of the most beloved ambassadors to ever call the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center home. She was rescued near Austin after being struck by a car, leaving her with a broken femur. Against all odds, she recovered and went on to live a long, meaningful life sharing her story with thousands across the South Plains.
For over two decades, Shadow represented her species at educational programs and outreach events, inspiring people to appreciate and protect the raptors that share our skies. In her later years, she enjoyed a peaceful retirement at the Center, where her calm spirit and steady gaze touched everyone who met her.
Recently, Shadow began experiencing severe pain, and after thoughtful consultation with our veterinarians, our staff made the compassionate decision to let her go peacefully. Her story is one of strength, survival, and the unbreakable bond between wildlife and the people who care for them.
Shadow’s legacy will continue to soar through the lives she inspired and the owls who find healing here at SPWRC.
Grumbles
Great Horned Owl
Grumbles, our 15-year-old Great Horned Owl, was one of the most remarkable ambassadors to ever call the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center home. He arrived with a broken right wing that made it impossible for him to return to the wild, but from that challenge emerged a symbol of wisdom, strength, and quiet resilience.
Whether perched proudly beside Titan to show the size difference between male and female Great Horned Owls, or watching from his mew with calm curiosity, Grumbles inspired thousands to appreciate the power and grace of raptors. Beyond his role in education, he also contributed to raptor research with Dr. Clint Boal at Texas Tech University, helping expand our understanding of these magnificent birds.
In his later years, Grumbles began experiencing severe pain, and after thoughtful consultation with our veterinarians, the compassionate decision was made to let him go peacefully. Though his perch now stands empty, his legacy will forever remain part of SPWRC. Grumbles will always be remembered for his calm presence, noble spirit, and the countless hearts he touched through his many years of service.
Sterling
Mississippi Kite
Sterling was a Mississippi Kite who became part of the SPWRC family after being found as a tiny, downy chick in a park in Amarillo on July 31, 2018. He was first cared for at Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center before coming to us that September. By then, Sterling had already become imprinted on people, meaning he was too accustomed to human presence to survive on his own in the wild.
Though he could never join in the long migratory flights of his species, Sterling became a beloved ambassador at SPWRC. His silvery-gray feathers and sharp “cha-chew, cha-chew” call perfectly captured the beauty and spirit of the Mississippi Kite.
As part of our educational programs, Sterling helped connect visitors with the story of raptors, the balance of ecosystems, and the importance of conservation. His presence was a gentle reminder that even when wildlife must stay in human care, their lives still hold great purpose and dignity.
Sterling passed away during a medical procedure despite the best efforts of his veterinary team. He was deeply loved, cherished, and will forever be remembered for his grace, resilience, and the quiet inspiration he brought to all who met him.
Humphry
Peregrine
Humphrey, a Peregrine Falcon, was admitted to the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in the summer of 2014 after being found on the ground in Big Spring, Texas. A leg band revealed he had hatched in 2011 on South Padre Island. Upon examination, it was discovered that he was blind in one eye—likely from earlier trauma—making survival in the wild impossible.
Though non-releasable, Humphrey lived a full and meaningful life as an educational ambassador. With his calm temperament and sharp presence, he helped countless visitors learn about the power and grace of Peregrine Falcons and the importance of conserving raptors in a changing world. His story shed light on how human impact, like pesticide use, can affect even the most resilient species.
Humphrey passed peacefully after years of dedicated care and companionship. His time at the center left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him, and his memory continues to soar each time a falcon’s shadow crosses the Texas sky.
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Marvin
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​Athena, an Eastern Screech Owl, came to the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in 2003 after suffering an eye injury. Veterinarians determined that her damaged eye needed to be removed to prevent infection. She made a full recovery, but her vision loss meant she could not safely return to the wild. During her time at the center, Athena formed a close bond with Louie, a Western Screech Owl who was also blind. The two spent their days perched side by side, bringing comfort and companionship to one another. Their quiet friendship became a heartwarming reminder of the resilience of wildlife and the connections that form through care and compassion. After Louie’s passing, Athena continued her role as a gentle ambassador, helping visitors learn about the lives of owls and the importance of protecting native species. Her calm spirit and strength left a lasting impression on everyone who met her.
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Bu2
Great Horned owl​​​
Bu2, our beloved Great Horned Owl, was a true icon of the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and one of the most remarkable ambassadors we have ever known. Rescued decades ago with injuries that made her non-releasable, she spent nearly 30 incredible years as the face and spirit of our mission. With her fierce eyes, gentle soul, and unmistakable presence, she introduced thousands of visitors to the beauty and power of raptors, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who met her.
Cared for by Gail Barnes throughout her long, extraordinary life, Bu2 was more than an ambassador, she was family. To her handlers, directors, and all who ever met her, Bu2 was more than a bird. She was a living reminder of what we are fighting to protect and rehabilitate, and her absence is deeply, deeply felt. Her long life far exceeded what is typical for her species, a true testament to her strength, resilience, and the love she received every single day.
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Trooper
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Shadow, a 23-year-old Barred Owl, was rescued near Austin after being struck by a car that left her with a broken femur. Though Barred Owls are not native to our region, she made an incredible recovery and found her forever home with us, where she went on to live a long and meaningful life surrounded by care.
For over two decades, Shadow touched countless hearts through educational programs and quiet moments at the center. Her calm spirit, patient nature, and wise gaze left a lasting impression on everyone who met her. Even in retirement, she continued to inspire wonder and compassion in visitors young and old.
Shadow’s remarkable 23 years stand as a testament to the strength and resilience of wildlife, and to the care and love that make second chances possible. Her memory will always remind us to look more closely at the world we share and to protect the creatures who call it home.
Cleo
Short Eared Owl
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx018. After initial care at Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, he came to SPWRC that fall. Although he grew strong, Sterling had unfortunately imprinted on humans, meaning he could not safely live in the wild, and instead became a cherished member of our ambassador family.
During his years with us, Sterling helped teach visitors about the beauty and behavior of his species—migratory raptors known for their graceful flight and dramatic dive-bombing displays. Each year, Mississippi Kites journey to South America, forming great flocks called kettles and returning in spring with striking red eyes from their insect-rich diet.
Sterling’s gentle nature and quiet presence inspired everyone who met him. His life reminds us how deeply our actions can shape the lives of wildlife and how every creature, wild or not, has a story worth honoring.
Jasper
Barn Owl
​​Jasper, a Common Barn Owl, arrived at the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in 1995 as a tiny displaced chick. He was raised by another ambassador owl, Casper, who cared for him until she unexpectedly escaped during a routine cleaning. From that day forward, Jasper carried on her legacy, becoming a calm presence in our education programs for nearly three decades. Known for gentle demeanor, Jasper helped generations of visitors learn about the vital role Barn Owls play in controlling rodent populations and maintaining balance in the ecosystem. His quiet beauty and steady nature made him a favorite among staff, volunteers, and students alike. Jasper lived a long, peaceful life under the dedicated care of SPWRC volunteers and staff. His years of service brought people closer to understanding and appreciating owls, and his memory continues to remind us of the connection between wildlife and those who care for it.
Yoda
Burrowing Owl
Yoda, our beloved Burrowing Owl, arrived at the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in the summer of 2014 as a tiny, month-old youngster. He was brought in after being injured by a dog, and though no major injuries were found at first, volunteers soon noticed he wasn’t afraid of people or very aware of his surroundings. After a thorough examination, Dr. Blaine Oden discovered that Yoda had likely suffered neurological damage from the attack, leaving him nearly blind. Though he can see faint shadows, his vision loss made it impossible for him to survive in the wild.
Despite this challenge, Yoda quickly adapted to life at the Center. His gentle nature made him an ideal education ambassador, and he took easily to perching on the glove and wearing his leather jesses. With his remarkable hearing, he always knew when someone was near, often turning toward familiar voices.
Yoda shared his life with another Burrowing Owl, Oden, who often called to him and guided him back to their little owl box. Together, they became a cherished pair and an inspiration to all who met them. Yoda’s calm spirit and resilience touched countless hearts, reminding us of the strength and grace found in every wild creature.
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Samatha
Red-Tail Hawk
Samantha, a stunning Red-tailed Hawk, came to the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in 2005 after being hit by a car in Wichita Falls. Though she initially appeared to recover well, closer observation revealed lasting effects from her head trauma. She struggled to land on perches and often missed her food dish, showing that her depth perception and motor skills had been permanently damaged.
Unable to return to the wild, Samantha became one of our beloved education ambassadors. Weighing over three and a half pounds, she is one of our largest raptors, known for her striking feathers and bright red tail. Her favorite pastime has always been eating—rats, beef heart, and mice being her top choices—so her diet and weight are carefully monitored.
Samantha has spent many years teaching visitors about her species, helping people appreciate the beauty and resilience of Red-tailed Hawks. Her presence continues to remind us of the challenges wildlife face and the importance of giving every injured animal a second chance.
Huey
Great Horned Owl
​Huey, a Great Horned Owl, came to the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in 2004 as a large juvenile. She had been taken from her nest and kept as a pet, where she was fed cooked meat and guacamole. This improper diet left her severely malnourished, with brittle bones and poor health. After being confiscated by wildlife officials, she began her long road to recovery under the protection of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
With months of care and a carefully balanced diet, Huey slowly regained her strength. However, because she had been imprinted on humans as a chick, she could not safely return to the wild. Instead, she remained at the center as an educational ambassador, teaching visitors about the importance of respecting and protecting native wildlife.
Huey now shares her enclosure with her companion, Grumbles, and continues to thrive under attentive care. Her recovery is a powerful reminder of how human interference can impact wild animals—and how compassion and proper care can help them find safety and purpose again.
a story worth honoring.