Environmental education is critical to the mission of Audubon. We are the state’s largest environmental educator giving school children across our entire state meaningful, experiential connections with nature. For some students, this is their first “touch” with nature.

Central to our education program, is the use of animal ambassadors that bring nature to life in the classroom. These programs ignite many students interest in science and the natural world.

Senate Bill (S-0167) introduced by Senators Lynch Prata, Coyne and Archambault was submitted on January 24 with the purpose of prohibiting wild or exotic species in “traveling animal acts.” Defined as “any performance which requires an animal to be transported to or from the location of the performance in a mobile or traveling housing facility.”

Many of our animal ambassadors are not native to Rhode Island and would be considered under this bill to be “exotic” and certainly “wild.” Many of these non-native and exotic animals come to facilities, like Audubon, as abandon pets that are unwanted by the people who purchased them from pet stores and breeders. Audubon's python, Monty, was found abandon in a desk drawer at a dorm room at a local University at the end of the school semester. These animals would likely be euthanize if places like Audubon did not take them in. They become Educational ambassadors to teach people about the animal species and the environment, as well as why they may not make good pets.

The bill would prevent hundreds of our most popular and life-changing programs from happening at local schools and with scout groups. It will also have a significant impact on Raptor Weekend, New England’s largest raptor festival and Audubon’s largest public program. Other organizations who utilize animals in educational programs will also be effected.

Sign our petition to let the members of the Judiciary Committee know that you oppose Senate Bill S-0167!

Pictured is Rick West of Westy's Birds of Prey and a Eurasian Eagle Owl at Audubon's Raptor Weekend. This non-native bird would not be allowed at the event if Senate Bill 0167 were to pass. Photo courtesy of Charles Ledoux.