Pictured are 8 of the 12 non releasable native wildlife ambassadors.

Merlyn a Barred Owl, Paisley a Barn Owl, Ruby Begonia and Odin are Eastern Screech Owls, Scout a Florida Kestrel, Pearl a Virginia Opossum, Rocky a flying squirrel, Maggie and I ‘Lean are Gopher Tortoises, Tucker and Mr. T are Florida Box Turtles and Kernel Frito a corn snake make up our ambassador team.

These permanent residents are non-releasable. There are many reasons why these animals cannot be released back into the wild. Some are permanently injured, have been hatched with disabilities or have been kept as pets and allowed to imprint on humans. These ambassadors live purposeful lives and are comfortable around humans, they are well suited to the ambassador life.

We consider ourselves privileged not only to work with these creatures, but to share them with the public in a way that fosters learning and growth. This is an age when the health of our wildlife and environment is more of a concern than ever. We accomplish this goal by doing natural history based/conservation educational programs at schools, libraries, camps, clubs and events in our area. SWR is insured and licensed by FFWC and USFWS to exhibit wildlife.

To learn more or book a program at your location contact us at nan@sunrisewildlife.org. or 352-222-2239

“Merlyn” and Adam

Amazing Birds Of Prey: This program compares two birds of prey-who share the same territory. The Eastern Screech Owl and Florida Kestrel. We display colorful informational photo boards for each bird, and discuss natural history-nocturnal vs. diurnal and conservation. We bring a nest box that is appropriate for both species and provide construction plans. The programs are not scripted, we encourage questions and photos are allowed.

Owls of North Florida: Barn Owl, Barred Owl, Eastern Screech Owl. We have colorful display boards for each species of owl. We have owl pellets, eggs, feathers and other props including a nest box with construction plans.  We bring out each owl individually, then each owl is displayed on the glove, or perched. We discuss natural history, conservation and interesting facts about each type owl. Questions and photos are encouraged.

Nocturnal Wildlife of North Florida: Eastern Screech Owl, Barn Owl, Opossum or Southern Flying Squirrel. We do the same style of program as described above with these nocturnal ambassadors.

Reptiles of North Florida: This program is very popular because children and adults are able to “two finger” touch the ambassador Gopher Tortoises, Florida Box Turtles and a beautiful red corn snake. We bring professional/ portable displays and a small pen for the gopher tortoises.

Native Wildlife of North Florida:  This include any 3-4 ambassadors:  We have 12 permanent ambassadors that travel with us to outreach programs. All ambassadors are non-releasable, and would not survive in the wild.

We will adapt our program to suit the ages of the attendees and topic of interest. Program fees range from $75.00-$175.00/ Donation in kind are also considered. The modest fees help to cover our travel expense, insurance, any additional donations beyond the fee go towards the ambassadors care.

Native Wildlife Programs
Maggie a 50 year old Gopher Tortoise