The Nature Center takes care of nearly 30 non-releasable animals native to the American River system. These animals cannot be returned to their native habitat. In many cases they have been injured, orphaned or grown too accustomed to people.

We now have four incredible raptors

Introducing the newest member of the Effie Yeaw Nature Center!

Meet Ke-lik-a-lik, a beautiful male American kestrel! Ke-lik-a-lik is the Nisenan Maidu word for this tiny falcon, and sound of the name mimics the American kestrel’s call. Go ahead, say it five times fast.

A great big thank you to everyone who participated in the naming contest. Your support helps pay for Ke-lik-a-lik’s care for the next year.

Kestrel Bird

Of course, we wouldn’t want you to miss out on our other incredible raptor ambassadors who help connect people with nature and wonder every day!

All these birds are tamed to the glove and act as animal ambassadors, visiting schools, taking part in programs and helping in our educational efforts.

In addition, we have numerous reptiles and amphibians on display in the lobby and Discovery Room, including:

  • Clem the Western Pond Turtle
  • Natoma the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake
  • Gilbert the Skilton’s Skink
  • and several Gopher and King Snakes, Tree Frogs, and Toads.

PLEASE NOTE:
Although we house resident animals, the Nature Center is not a licensed animal rescue facility and we cannot accept animals needing care. If you find an injured animal, we are willing to help you find the right rehabilitation organization – please call us during our business hours: (916) 876-4918.

Orion, the Swainson's Hawk

Orion, the Swainson’s Hawk

Orion was dropped off at the UC Davis Raptor Center with a broken wing in 2017. Although his injuries healed partially, there were some lingering issues that would prevent him from completing the long migration down to Argentina. It was also discovered that Orion was an imprint, or lacking a natural fear of humans, and therefore dependent on people for his survival. However, this resulted in an easier transition for Orion to become one of our amazing animal ambassadors.

Wek’-Wek, Peregrine Falcon

Wek’-wek came to the Effie Yeaw Nature Center in 2017 from Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care. She was brought in with injuries after being shot in both wings. Because of these injuries, Wek-Wek’s ability to fly was permanently impaired, making her non-releasable. With permission from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care transferred her to the Nature Center. Wek’-Wek is a very quick learner and has already become comfortable on the glove and around people. She is quickly becoming one of our most charming animal ambassadors. The name Wek’-wek comes from a native Maidu word for “duck hawk” a former name for Peregrines.

Wek'-Wek, Peregrine Falcon
Echo, the Great Horned Owl

Echo, the Great Horned Owl

Echo was found during the fall of 2011 in the South Lake Tahoe area making begging calls in the night. A volunteer rehabilitator heard the bird and called to it. Echo flew right down to the rehabilitator and readily ate the food that was offered. This behavior unfortunately meant that Echo was imprinted or raised by humans as a young owl and did not know how to hunt for food. The Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care contacted the Effie Yeaw Nature Center about Echo and we were happy to take her. Echo is calm around people and has been trained for careful handling by Nature Center staff and an important role as a full-fledged educational ambassador.

Clem, the Western Pond Turtle

Clem came to us as an egg! In June of 2007, seven turtle eggs were brought to the Effie Yeaw Nature Center by a volunteer from Sacramento County Animal Care. The eggs were reported to be western pond turtle eggs, laid by a turtle that had since been released. On Friday, September 28, two hatchlings were discovered in our makeshift incubator! In later weeks, two more turtles hatched. The Nature Center did not have room to house 4 pond turtles, so three turtles were taken to the U.C. Davis Department of Herpetology where they are being housed with other turtles and will provide students with the opportunity to observe and document their growth, health and behavior. The remaining turtle was named Clem and he stayed here at the Nature Center.

Clem, the Western Pond Turtle
Natoma, the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake

Natoma, the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake

Natoma was about a year old when she came to us in March of 2012. Her mother had been removed from a homeowner’s property by an animal facility in Valley Springs. Shortly after being rescued the mother gave birth to Natoma and her siblings. Rattlesnakes are one of the few snakes that give live birth. Because she was born in captivity, it would be illegal to release Natoma into the wild according to Fish and Wildlife regulations. She has become a great educational snake as she is kept in the lobby in a specially secured enclosure for all to see and can be compared to the native non-venomous snakes in nearby enclosures. Natoma was recently weighed and measured and she was found to be our heaviest, if not the longest, snake on our premises. She enjoys the dead mouse that she is fed once a week.

Share This