The World Center for Birds and Prey, located south of Boise in the Idaho desert, is home to 22 very special ambassadors. These raptors serve as a bridge between people and birds, helping humans better understand how to care for flying creatures in their natural environment.

The newest addition to the center is Salix, a baby barn owl. Despite being just a few weeks old, Salix is already capturing the hearts of visitors with its small, scruffy appearance. This young raptor is teaching visitors about the importance of caring for birds in the wild.

Recently, curator of birds Stephanie Ashley and director Tate Mason spoke on Idaho Matters about Salix and the other avian ambassadors at the center. Through their work, they hope to educate the public about the role they can play in preserving and protecting these majestic creatures. With Salix’s arrival, it seems that more people are becoming aware of the importance of caring for birds in their natural habitat.