The NM Wildlife Center

The NM Wildlife Center in Espanola is the premier wildlife education center and wildlife hospital in New Mexico. Ber and I have lived in Santa Fe 32 years, and only recently did we discover this hidden treasure when we took my mother there for her 86th Birthday wish. It's a magical excursion for all ages. 

The Wildlife Center provides loving care for a wide variety of animals who are unable to return to the wild, and there's no shortage of them. From Pepper the raccoon happily snoozing on his little hammock, to the bobcats, turkey vulture, foxes, coyote, 2 different species of eagles, osprey, hawks, owls, foxes, snakes, turtles and more, it's a fascinating, wild escape from city life. We booked a private tour with our friend Scott who has volunteered here for more than 15 years. With awe, we watched him slowly enter the bald eagle enclosure and quietly sit down on a log. Maxwell the huge, magnificent eagle dropped down from his perch and hopped along the log over to Scott's side... and happily enjoyed a snack of cut up rat parts. Ok, so the rat stuff didn't look too appetizing, but to witness the trusting bond b/t Scott and Maxwell was powerful. Each and every adopted animal is named, and their unique life story is on a plaque outside their home. Some have been raised by humans so can't be released back into the wild, some are found wounded roadside, abandoned, rescued, etc. The Wildlife Center has the largest animal hospital in NM and once a year in February they host an open house tour of it. 

The Center provides private tours of the grounds and these educational tours make all the difference. The scope of what we learned on our tour was exponentially more fun and insightful than just walking the grounds on our own. There are picnic tables and beautiful scenic mountain views to enjoy while being surrounded by wildlife. The family of perky road runners that cruise around the property making sure they don't miss out on anything are hilarious. One can't help but be touched by the depth of medical expertise, dietary needs, goodness and loving assistance that is provided for so many animals that otherwise wouldn't survive. 

The New Mexico Wildlife Center

Hours: Monday thru Saturday 9am to 4pm

19 Wheat Street, Espanola NM (it's easy to find)

505-753-9505

Now go get wild.

Photo Credit: NM Wildlife Center