the plight of all wildlife from human expansion, secondary rodenticide, and climate change. “There is no comparison to seeing an owl or snake live,” says Brian. “It makes a much deeper impres - sion than watching a video.” Salthaven’s presentations include topics relating to species at risk, the role the environment plays in the lives of animals, and human encounters with wildlife, to name a few. Salthaven can also tailor their presentations to support any school curriculum.
When Animals Do the Talking When you attend a Salthaven pre- sentation, the presenter will share stories and details about the in- terconnectedness of humans, the environment, and the wildlife that calls it home. However, it will be the wildlife ambassador working with them that will leave a lasting impression. Brian Salt, Salthav - en’s founder, knows that his wild - life ambassadors speak louder than words, and he’s excited to introduce the newest member of the Salthaven education team.
Astra as a hatchling
Astra, the Great Horned Owl and Salthaven’s newest Wild - life Ambassador
Astra is a one-year-old Great Horned Owl who came to Salthaven as a hatchling from the Canadian Raptor Conservancy, a research, education, and captive raptor breeding organization near Simcoe, Ontario. “We knew having a Great Horned Owl would make a fantastic am - bassador, so we approached the Conservancy as soon as we heard of Astra’s hatching,” ex - plains Brian. “It’s important the owlet imprints at a very young age to develop the confidence and trust in its trainer.”
Besides Astra, Salthaven’s other wildlife ambassadors include Chaukar, a Laggar Falcon who has lived at Salthaven for 21 years; Spirit, a Bald Eagle; fan favourites Shikoba, a Red-tailed Hawk, and Gusselda, a 6-foot Black Rat Snake, and lastly, Kogi the Ground Hog, another ambassador-in-training. It’s important to note that everyone at Salthaven sees Astra and the other wildlife ambassadors as family and respects their feel - ings, giving each animal agency over their day. Trainers tune into each animal’s body language, just as we tune into the moods of our family and friends. “They have their own language, and we must learn it,” explains Brian. “When we enter their mews, we can tell by subtle cues what kind of day they’re having. If it’s a bad day, the animals are left alone. If a scheduled ambassador is not up for a presenta - tion that day, we take a different one.” Salthaven’s mission is more than rehabilitating injured wildlife. You could say they also try to rehabilitate human understanding through education. Their wildlife ambassadors inspire a lasting passion for improving the environment and demonstrate what we can do to help wildlife populations in Ontario. To learn more about Salthaven, visit www.salthaven.org. To book a presentation, email presentations@salthaven.org. Photos courtesy of Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Services
Chaukar, Laggar Falcon
Astra has proven to be an eager student. She can fly from perch to perch and is comfortable in front of people. She responds well to hand signals and is ready to fly free with telemetry. Brian expects Astra to make her debut public appearance by June. Salthaven’s education programs connect people with animals and nature to teach them that their actions can make a difference. As - tra’s role, and that of her fellow five ambassadors, is to “speak” on behalf of their wildlife counterparts to help audiences understand
Shikoba, Red-tailed Hawk
Spirit, Bald Eagle
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