If you are visiting Jackson Hole or the Tetons, please take an hour of your trip and visit the…read moreTeton Raptor Center.
There are so many incredible things to see in this area, but I think it is equally important to make time for organizations like this. Behind the beautiful wildlife and ecosystems we all travel here to enjoy are people who have dedicated their lives to protecting, rehabilitating, studying, and educating others about the raptors of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and Mountain West. Getting to see a small piece of that work was genuinely one of the most meaningful parts of our trip.
My husband and I attended one of their hour long programs, taught by Leslie and Roger, and absolutely loved it. It was fun, engaging, incredibly informative, and approachable whether you already love birds or know almost nothing about them. You get to meet some of their incredible ambassador birds up close, learn about their anatomy, behavior, adaptations, and stories, and most importantly, you are encouraged to ask questions and be curious.
BRING YOUR KIDS!! Let them ask a million questions. Let them see these birds up close. Let them learn why they matter. There are fun things for children to do as well, and experiences like this can plant a curiosity and appreciation for wildlife that lasts far beyond a vacation.
What stood out to me most, though, were the people.
Everyone we encountered was knowledgeable, welcoming, and so clearly passionate about what they do. You can tell this isn't simply a job to the people here. There is a genuine respect for these animals and a desire to help people understand why protecting them and the ecosystems they depend on matters.
I also had the opportunity to speak separately with one of their care technicians, Kaelin, and WOW. That conversation was such a gift. Her dedication to her profession and to these birds was inspiring. She has such a beautiful ability to take what could be complicated information about anatomy, care, and the birds themselves and explain it in a way that makes you want to keep learning. I walked away knowing so much more than I did when I arrived.
And that is exactly why places like this deserve our support.
Yes, go see the Tetons. Explore Jackson Hole. Take the pictures. Hike the trails. Enjoy every second of how unbelievably beautiful this part of the country is. But somewhere in your itinerary, make room for the people working behind the scenes to protect what makes this area so extraordinary in the first place.
To Leslie, Roger, Kaelin, and the entire team at Teton Raptor Center, AMAZING job. Your knowledge, passion, dedication, and love for these animals are evident. What you do matters, and the impact of your work reaches further than you probably get to see every day.
