The Wildlife Center of the North Coast provides lifelong, welfare-centered care to permanently non-releasable native wildlife who now serve as conservation ambassadors.
These birds cannot survive in the wild due to permanent injury or impairment. In our care, they help our community better understand Oregon’s native species, ecosystem health, and how human actions impact wildlife.
Our ambassadors are not exhibits.
They are living educators.
WCNC currently provides lifelong care to:
Double-crested cormorant
Cormie came into care at WCNC in July of 2015, after an Astoria resident witnessed an eagle dropping her into a tree. Fortunately, this kind individual retrieved her and called the Center. Her initial assessment revealed respiratory issues, as well as a fracture to her left humerus. With treatment, her respiratory issues resolved, but the fracture in her wing healed in a way that rendered her unable to fly properly, and therefore not releasable to thrive in the wild. Just a few weeks old at that time, she was deemed a good candidate for the role of ambassador bird, and she has exceeded all expectations. Cormie is an eager learner, and the main challenge for her trainers is keeping up with her. Her quick mind, social nature and joyful demeanor have made her a favorite of volunteers and visitors alike.
Western screech-owl
Megascops kennicottii
Odin came into care at WCNC in 2014 after being picked up on a road near Astoria. Her right eye was badly damaged, and it was suspected that she was hit by a car. Because the vision in her eye would not return and she proved unable to hunt on her own, she was not releasable and was added to our education team. Having been raised in the wild by her parents, Odin is initially shy and uncertain around humans. She voluntarily participates in daily training sessions with a primary focus on building confidence and trust. Her favorite things include mice, mealworms, evening baths and foraging for insects.
Red-tailed hawk
Nelle was admitted to a wildlife rehab facility in Albuquerque, NM in October of 2021 after having been observed on the ground in a parking lot for multiple days. She was suffering from emaciation and apparent head trauma. With excellent care, she made a strong recovery but unfortunately was left with permanent visual deficit in her left eye, and was therefore unable to be released to the wild. Showing an easygoing temperament and a willingness to work with humans, she was deemed a good candidate for life as an educational ambassador and joined the team at WCNC in October 2022.
American kestrel
Seeing a raptor up close or learning how a seabird’s injury affects survival creates a deeper understanding of the challenges wildlife face and the role we all play in protecting them.
Why We Have Ambassador Animals
When you visit, volunteer, or donate, you help provide lifelong care for these birds and support conservation education throughout our community.
Our education ambassadors cannot return to the wild, but they continue to make a powerful impact. By sponsoring one of our resident birds, you help provide the high-quality care they depend on while supporting hands-on conservation education for students and visitors across the North Coast.
Your sponsorship directly fuels their health, comfort, and the meaningful programs they make possible.
$85 Annually
A basic sponsorship includes:
$300 Annually
A champion sponsorship includes:
Cormie is known internationally for her work teaching people about Double-crested cormorants. Click the links to see how her advocacy transcends borders and brings awareness to the intelligence of cormorants everywhere.
Christopher Cheung | Feb. 21, 2024 | The Tyee
Grant McOmie | Apr. 28, 2023 | Grant's Getaways
Morgan Heim | 2022 | Wild and Scenic Film Festival Official Selection
Lynda V. Mapes | Jan. 21, 2024 | The Seattle Times
Elleda Wilson | Sept. 15, 2022 | The Daily Astorian
Andy McGlashen | Summer 2022 | Audubon Magazine
Discover the wild side of the North Coast! A visit to the Wildlife Center of the North Coast is your chance to see our work in action, meet our ambassador birds, and learn how rescued animals are cared for before returning to the wild.
Every visit supports our mission of rescue, rehabilitation, and education.
