Our Ambassadors
Each ambassador’s journey is unique. Some came to us as babies who never had the chance to learn the skills needed to survive in the wild, while others overcame injuries that made returning to their natural homes impossible. Although our goal is always release, a few animals simply cannot live on their own. When that happens, they take on a new and deeply meaningful role as ambassadors.
Through them, we are able to connect people with wildlife in a personal and lasting way. These cherished animals remind us that every life has value. They are loved and cared for as part of our family, helping us share the beauty of wildlife, the importance of protecting it, and the wonder of the wild that still lives within us all. With their gentle presence and powerful stories, they inspire compassion, curiosity, and respect in everyone they meet.
Auggie
American Kestrel
Auggie, an American Kestrel, came to SPWRC as a young chick alongside a group of other babies in need of care. Early on, he suffered a broken leg that required veterinary treatment, but his biggest challenge has been metabolic bone disease (MBD), caused by poor nutrition after hatching. This condition left his bones extremely fragile, making him non-releasable.
​Because Auggie was raised with extensive hands-on care, he also imprinted on humans. While this means he cannot survive in the wild, it allows him to serve an important role as an ambassador. His story highlights the critical importance of proper nutrition for young raptors and helps us teach the public about the challenges these birds face.
Titan
Great Horned Owl
Titan came to South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center on May 10, 2010, as a newly hatched Great Horned Owl found in a gymnasium’s ductwork in Grady, Texas. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department rescued the chicks just before the gym was sealed. Titan was the only survivor, soon nicknamed “Tiny Tyke.”
As she grew, Titan faced developmental challenges including splayed legs and delayed feather and vocal development. Veterinarians determined she wouldn’t survive in the wild, and she found her new purpose as an educational ambassador. In 2013, she was chosen as the mascot for Jayne Ann Miller Elementary School — the only live mascot in Lubbock ISD — where she continues to teach students about wildlife and the importance of raptors in our environment.
Now a striking four-pound owl, Titan inspires countless visitors and students alike
Odessa
Burrowing Owl
Odessa came to SPWRC in 2025 after surviving a severe hailstorm in Odessa, Texas. She suffered a head injury that left her blind. The woman who found her cared for her for seven weeks in hopes of releasing her back into the wild, but an unbalanced diet during that time prevented Odessa from regaining her eyesight. During those weeks, she also imprinted on humans and is now non-releasable.
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Despite her challenges, Odessa has adapted remarkably well. She enjoys going on walks around the property and exploring new sounds and surroundings. When interacting with her, move slowly and speak softly so she can understand where she is and what’s happening.
Doc & Fester
Turkey Vultures ​
Doc and Festus, our beloved Turkey Vultures, are two of the longest-standing Ambassadors at SPWRC. Since the early 1990s, they have shared a remarkable companionship, offering visitors a glimpse into the intelligence, loyalty, and resilience that vultures display in the wild.
​Often called nature’s clean-up crew, Turkey Vultures play an essential role in keeping ecosystems healthy. By consuming carrion, they prevent the spread of disease and help maintain balance in the environment.
Through their presence, Doc and Festus remind us that every species has a purpose, and that even the most misunderstood animals are vital to the world we share.
Tallulah
Spotted Ground Squirrel
Tallulah, a ground squirrel, was brought to SPWRC as a baby. Young ground squirrels require constant companionship—either from their own kind or from people—otherwise they can become stressed, lonely, and even fail to survive. Because we rarely receive other ground squirrels in care, Tallulah relied on human interaction during this critical stage and became imprinted.
​Although she cannot return to the wild, Tallulah now serves as an ambassador, helping us teach visitors about the unique needs of small mammals and the importance of proper wildlife rehabilitation.
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Dobby
Virgina Opossum
Dobby came to South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center as an orphaned baby, severely underweight and suffering from metabolic bone disease. He was also born with dwarfism, giving him his uniquely small stature and big personality.
Despite his rough start, Dobby’s resilience quickly shined through. With care and nutrition, he made a full recovery and has since become one of the most adored members of the SPWRC family.
He loves sunny walks, scratches, stroller rides, and soaking up attention from staff and visitors. Dobby’s playful spirit and gentle nature make him a favorite among everyone who meets him, serving as a reminder that even the smallest creatures can make the biggest impact.
Dobby
Virgina Opossum
Dobby came to South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center as an orphaned baby, severely underweight and suffering from metabolic bone disease. He was also born with dwarfism, giving him his uniquely small stature and big personality.
Despite his rough start, Dobby’s resilience quickly shined through. With care and nutrition, he made a full recovery and has since become one of the most adored members of the SPWRC family.
He loves sunny walks, scratches, stroller rides, and soaking up attention from staff and visitors. Dobby’s playful spirit and gentle nature make him a favorite among everyone who meets him, serving as a reminder that even the smallest creatures can make the biggest impact.
Dobby
Virgina Opossum
Dobby came to South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center as an orphaned baby, severely underweight and suffering from metabolic bone disease. He was also born with dwarfism, giving him his uniquely small stature and big personality.
Despite his rough start, Dobby’s resilience quickly shined through. With care and nutrition, he made a full recovery and has since become one of the most adored members of the SPWRC family.
He loves sunny walks, scratches, stroller rides, and soaking up attention from staff and visitors. Dobby’s playful spirit and gentle nature make him a favorite among everyone who meets him, serving as a reminder that even the smallest creatures can make the biggest impact.
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Dekoda
Ferruginous Hawk
Auggie, an American Kestrel, came to SPWRC as a young chick alongside a group of other babies in need of care. Early on, he suffered a broken leg that required veterinary treatment, but his biggest challenge has been metabolic bone disease (MBD), caused by poor nutrition after hatching. This condition left his bones extremely fragile, making him non-releasable.
​Because Auggie was raised with extensive hands-on care, he also imprinted on humans. While this means he cannot survive in the wild, it allows him to serve an important role as an ambassador. His story highlights the critical importance of proper nutrition for young raptors and helps us teach the public about the challenges these birds face.
Sage
Mississippi Kite
Sage came to the center in 2025 as a very tiny chick with all of her downy feathers. At the time, she was our only Mississippi Kite her age, so she spent most of her time alone, only interacting with her caretakers during feeding times. Despite staff efforts to keep her wild and fearful of humans, she unfortunately imprinted and is now non-releasable.
Sage is currently being trained for falconry work, which involves flying to a glove when called. Falconry training is one of the best forms of enrichment for non-releasable raptors, as it allows them to fly and live as normal of a life as possible. When interacting with Sage, be calm and patient. She loves people but is fully flighted and could fly away if accidentally let out.
Shadow
Barred Owl
Shadow, a 23-year-old Barred Owl, was rescued near Austin after being struck by a car that left her with a broken femur. Although Barred Owls are not native to our region, she overcame her injuries and became a cherished part of our Ambassador family.
For many years, Shadow represented her species at educational events, helping people learn about owls—one of the most common raptors admitted to SPWRC. Now retired from travel programs, she enjoys a peaceful life at the center, where her calm presence and steady gaze continue to inspire visitors.
Shadow’s story is a reminder of both the challenges wildlife face and the resilience of nature, encouraging us to look more closely at the world we share.
Doc & Fester
Turkey Vultures ​
Doc and Festus, our beloved Turkey Vultures, are two of the longest-standing Ambassadors at SPWRC. Since the early 1990s, they have shared a remarkable companionship, offering visitors a glimpse into the intelligence, loyalty, and resilience that vultures display in the wild.
Often called nature’s clean-up crew, Turkey Vultures play an essential role in keeping ecosystems healthy. By consuming carrion, they prevent the spread of disease and help maintain balance in the environment.
Through their presence, Doc and Festus remind us that every species has a purpose, and that even the most misunderstood animals are vital to the world we share.
Buzz & Woody
The Opossum Sisters came to South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center under heartbreaking circumstances. Their mother was brought to a veterinary clinic to be euthanized, and only afterward did the staff discover she had tiny joeys still in her pouch. Against all odds, two of the babies survived and were brought to SPWRC for intensive care.
Though they were given a second chance, both sisters sustained neurological damage that affects their coordination and ability to survive in the wild. Despite these challenges, they have grown into healthy, curious, and gentle ambassadors who win over everyone they meet.
Now permanent residents at SPWRC, the Opossum Sisters help teach visitors about the vital role opossums play in our ecosystems—from controlling ticks and insects to cleaning up carrion. Their story reminds us of the importance of compassion and awareness for all wildlife, even the often misunderstood ones.
Odessa
Odessa came to SPWRC in 2025 after surviving a severe hailstorm in Odessa, Texas. She suffered a head injury that left her blind. The woman who found her cared for her for seven weeks in hopes of releasing her back into the wild, but an unbalanced diet during that time prevented Odessa from regaining her eyesight. During those weeks, she also imprinted on humans and is now non-releasable.
Despite her challenges, Odessa has adapted remarkably well. She enjoys going on walks around the property and exploring new sounds and surroundings. When interacting with her, move slowly and speak softly so she can understand where she is and what’s happening.