Since 2000, our Eyes in the Sky (EITS) wildlife education program has featured live rehabilitated birds of prey trained to interact with the public as avian ambassadors.
Mrs. Zolkoski, a retired veterinarian surgical nurse technician, served as the EITS Raptor Caretaker and Outreach Assistant and a program volunteer prior. Mrs. Zolkoski’s interest in wildlife was sparked at the age of 3-4 years old. Her father, a renowned falconer, was avid about ornithology and worked with raptor recovery, including rehabilitation in their garage. Asked about her new role as EITS Director, Mrs. Zolkoski said, “The focus on our being an education first program is at the heart and center of my interest: sharing our birds, their importance to conservation in a world that is only seeming to get smaller is of great value to me.” Mrs. Zolkoski commends EITS volunteers’ commitment and is honored to continue the program’s legacy. EITS staff and volunteers are integral to our education strategy, and we look forward to this new chapter in our key outreach program. Mrs. Zolkoski’s passions include bird watching, especially on our free Friday Bird Walks (open to the general public).
How to meet Mary and the raptors? The raptors are housed at the Santa Barbara Audubon Aviary on the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History campus and are available to view in their aviary with SBAS volunteers present to teach guests about the birds. The birds also travel for educational programs that take place at schools, community centers, county parks, and retirement homes.
