It’s an owl? It’s a hawk? No, it’s a northern hawk owl! A new raptor ambassador is joining The Raptor Center’s education team, and she is sure to delight bird lovers.
In August 2025, The Raptor Center — part of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine — welcomed a six-week-old captive-bred northern hawk owl into their raptor ambassador program. Because the owl was bred in captivity, she would be unable to live in the wild successfully — now, she is living an enriching life as an ambassador at The Raptor Center. This young female owl joins the group of beloved educational ambassadors who champion conservation and play a pivotal role in connecting the public with wildlife. The ambassadors exemplify the challenges faced by wildlife and highlight the importance of community action in preserving the health of our shared environment.
The program champions the ethical and responsible care of raptor ambassadors, ensuring that their welfare is prioritized while maximizing their impact on conservation efforts.
This new ambassador is the first northern hawk owl on the The Raptor Center team. The northern hawk owl is not commonly found in Minnesota — in the wild, they are found in the boreal forests of near-polar regions and are not often seen in human care.
Northern hawk owls get their name from hawk-like physical characteristics and behavior not seen in most owls. Their heads are flatter and they have a long, pointed tail that resembles a hawk. Like hawks, they are typically active during the day and mostly use their eyesight to hunt small mammals and birds. This doesn’t stop them, however, from hearing and catching small mammals under 30 inches of snow.
That’s not all: this new ambassador still needs a name. Voting is open to the public to help pick a winning name — you can participate here or on Instagram. The Raptor Center will also be hosting a lunch and learn livestream event on their Facebook page at noon on Thursday, November 20, to officially introduce the new ambassador to the world and share her story.
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About the College of Veterinary Medicine
The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine is a global leader in advancing education, health, and research at the interface of animals, people, and the environment. The college is also home to the Veterinary Medical Center, the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and The Raptor Center. Learn more at vetmed.umn.edu.
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- Agriculture and Environment
- Animals
