Our Mission
Founded in 1997 in Cedar City Utah, we are a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, wildlife and environmental education internationally, and the development of the Cedar Canyon Nature Park.
Rescue, Rehabilitate and Release
The Southwest Wildlife Foundation of Utah (SWF) cares for more than 100 sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife annually. Restoring them to health and returning them to the wild is our primary goal, but for those that cannot be released due to disabilities, the Cedar Canyon Nature Park (CCNP) can provide them with a permanent home in a natural setting while enhancing our visitors educational experience at the park.
Informing, Educating and Inspiring
The SWF provides over 100 educational programs reaching over 30,000 people annually. We believe providing educational outreach programs to schools, scout groups and community events, with focus on children and families, will make the greatest impact in preserving our wildlife, the environment, our public lands and our resources for future generations to enjoy.
The CCNP is 22.6 acres of beautiful canyon property donated by Pacificorp, in Cedar City, Utah. We are in the process of developing a permanent wildlife rescue facility and Nature Park for the children of Utah. Sitting on the transition point between the Colorado Plateau and the Great Basin, the CCNP’s mission is focused on fostering appreciation, knowledge and wise stewardship of the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin environments, which include wildlife, botany, geology, history, and native culture.
Increased educational opportunities mean an increased awareness, knowledge and appreciation for the land we call home.
“For in the end, we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand and we will understand only what we are taught” Baba Diom.
Wildlife Ambassadors
Scout, Golden Eagle
Scout was rescued by Martin back in April of 2006. A rancher in Wyoming was complaining that an eagle was a threat to his livestock. Martin traveled to rescue him before he got shot.
Videos with more about Scout:
Cirrus, Prairie Falcon
Cirrus arrived as a young bird from the wild and has been trained in falconry. She is an unusually calm Prairie Falcon which makes her an ideal educational bird.
Videos with more about Cirrus:
Piper, Prairie Falcon
Joining us as a young bird in 2018, he is vocal and full of attitude but nonetheless responding well to training.
Belle, Harris Hawk
Belle arrived from a breeder in New Orleans in August of 2018. Like most Harris Hawks, she is smart and sweet and already stealing hearts.
Emeritus Wildlife Ambassadors
Bud, Golden Eagle
It took decades of Martin’s falconry experience and years of battling bureacracy, before Bud became the first Golden Eagle to the Southwest Wildlife Foundation. Martin became the first person ever licensed to keep a Golden Eagle for falconry and education. Bud was a depredation bird which means he was seen as a threat to livestock. Martin rescued him.
Thumper, Harris Hawk
Thumper lived over 28 years. The average lifespan of a Harris Hawk in the wild is 7-10 years. He was born in Martin’s captive breeding program and has been a falconry and educational bird all his life. Even long retired from hunting, he was a wonderful educational bird and wildlife ambassador.
BG, Northern Goshawk
BG arrived in June of 2016 while less than two weeks old. She was born in a captive breeding program. Her father is a Goshawk from Finland and her mother is an Arizona Apache Goshawk.
More about BG:
- BG The Goshawk, Part One
- BG the Goshawk, Part Two
- BG the Goshawk, Part Three
- Out with BG the Goshawk
- Preparing for free flights and hunting
Board of Directors
- Martin Tyner, Founder & CEO
- Susan Tyner, Co-founder & Interim Secretary
- Patrick Shannon, President
- Mark Browne, Treasurer
- Ben Herring
- Roger Thomas