Wildlife Ambassadors & Our Educational Program
Since 1984, Pacific Wildlife Care (PWC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has rescued and rehabilitated native wildlife in San Luis Obispo County. As part of our mission and under strict licenses, we care for non-releasable animals who serve as Wildlife Ambassadors, helping to educate the public about local wildlife and ways to coexist with our wild neighbors.
Our Wildlife Ambassadors are available for customized presentations at public and private events. In addition to our Ambassadors, the program may also include a short presentation and photo displays. Donation requests vary by presentation. For more details, email our education team at [email protected].
Your support helps PWC provide critical veterinary care for 2,500+ animals and respond to 4,000+ emergency wildlife calls annually. Donate or become an Animal Ambassador Sponsor to support wildlife in our community.
Become a 2026 Sponsor!
Sponsorship Benefits:
- Invitation to a private ambassador event or a presentation for up to 20 people with your sponsored Ambassador, within San Luis Obispo County
- Information package about your sponsored Ambassador, including an artist rendition print by Melisa Beveridge
- Sponsor acknowledgment and thanks on PWC’s website and social media
- Sponsor recognition in the Wild Wire digital newsletter (3,000+ recipients)
2027 sponsorship information coming soon
Meet the PWC Wildlife Ambassadors
Denali
2026 Sponsor Anonymous
- Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
- Age (approximate): 14 years
- Non-releasable reason: Denali was born with a congenital eye disorder, similar to a cataract, making him unable to successfully hunt and thrive in the wild.
- Diet: 4 medium mice per day, especially loves the occasional quail
Ranger
2026 Sponsor Richard Coffey, Insurance Agent
- Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
- Age (approximate): 2 year
- Non-releasable reason: Ranger came to PWC as fledgling with suspected rodenticide poisoning, leaving him with neurological damage.
- Diet: Various jumbo and medium sized mice every night
Alice
2026 Sponsor Ed Grimshaw in memory of Bailey
- Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
- Age (approximate): 24 years
- Non-releasable reason: Alice fell from her nest as a baby and broke her humerus bone. Although she received specialized medical care, the injury did not heal well enough for her to hunt successfully on her own.
- Diet: 2 jumbo mice every night
Pip
2026 Sponsor Paul & Bonnie Lubock
- American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
- Age (approximate): 9 years
- Non-releasable reason: As a fledgling, Pip flew into a window, then was caught by a cat. The cat owners brought him to PWC where his broken wing was surgically repaired, however he is unable to fly well enough to survive in the wild.
- Diet: 2 medium mice or 1 medium mouse + 12 superworms
Oberon
2026 Sponsor Meg Crockett
- Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)
- Age (approximate): 15 years
- Non-releasable reason: Oberon fell from his nest at an early age and fractured both wings. He is unable to fly well enough to survive in the wild.
- Diet: Two mice every evening
Corax
2026 Sponsor Ann Smith & Richard Malaise
- Common Raven (Corvus corax)
- Age (approximate): 13 years
- Non-releasable reason: Corax came to PWC as a baby, fallen from his nest with a broken wing. His recovery did not allow for full use of the injured wing.
- Diet: Breakfast and dinner of mouse, kibble, a variety of nuts in the shell, scrambled egg, fresh fruits and veggies
Poppy
2026 Sponsor Brenda Hock
- Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)
- Age (approximate): Less than 1 year
- Non-releasable reason: Poppy came to PWC as an orphan the summer of 2025. It was observed that she
did not react accordingly to external stimuli, making her unsuitable for release. - Cat or dog kibble, fresh fruits and veggies (grapes are a favorite!), plus the occasional egg, mouse, fish, and superworms.
Gilbert
2026 Sponsor Paul & Bonnie Lubock
- Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)
- Age (approximate): 1.5 years
- Non-releasable reason: Gilbert came to PWC as a baby, with neurological damage from head trauma and one eye missing. He often is active during the day and does not present a fear response to potential predators. These factors would make him unable to survive in the wild.
- Diet: Cat or dog kibble, fresh fruits and veggies, plus the occasional egg, mouse, fish, and superworms.
Radar
2026 Sponsor Frank and Mary Johnson
- Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)
- Age (approximate): 12 years
- Non-releasable reason: Radar was rescued in San Diego with a broken wing that healed frozen in a single position, rendering her unable to fly. She was transferred to PWC’s education team to serve as an ambassador.
- Diet: Ten mealworms every day
William Snakespeare
2026 Sponsor Anonymous Wildlife Supporter
- Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer)
- Age (approximate): 11 years
- Non-releasable reason: William was relinquished as a pet to PWC. Snakes previously kept and fed as pets are not equipped to hunt and survive in the wild, so now William helps educate others on the wonders and importance of snakes.
- Diet: 3 medium mice every 2 weeks
Rocky
2026 Sponsor Paula Mathias in memory of my mom Pauline Rippner
- Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)
- Age (approximate): 8 years
- Non-releasable reason: Rocky has a neurological issue that keeps him from being able to fly more than a few feet, making him a poor candidate for life in the wild.
- Diet: Various seeds and grit
Tarantula Trio
2026 Sponsor Anonymous
- Waffles – Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula (Grammostola pulchripes) Female, 10yrs old
- Ross – Mexican Red Knee Tarantula (Brachypelma hamorii) Male, 10yrs old
- Charlotte – Chilean Rose Tarantula (Grammostola rosea) Female, 13yrs old
- Non-releasable reason: These tarantulas were born in captivity and not candidates for life in the wild. They will help teach community members about our native tarantula species and behaviors.
- Diet: Crickets and dubia roaches
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors:
Paula Mathias, in memory of Pauline Rippner
Ann Smith & Richard Malaise
Barry & Karen Richards
Devonna Bitz & Jeff Miller
The Rawlings Family
BJ Gingg
Melissa Karas & Stephen McConnell
Amaya, Shane, Rainbow & Willow Weddle
Anonymous Sponsor
