On February 4, Wildlife Center staff made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize Hudson the Gyrfalcon due to an aggressive cancer diagnosis. He was 20 years old.
Hudson arrived at the Center in August 2017 from a former wildlife educator and officially became an ambassador in 2018. While much of his early history is unknown, he hatched in captivity in 2005 and spent the first part of his life as a falconry bird. After nearly 12 years working with falconers, he “retired” as an education bird at another facility before joining the Wildlife Center. Hudson quickly became a favorite among staff and visitors alike.
During his seven years at the Center, Hudson met more than 6,800 people and appeared in nearly 200 education programs and tours. He charmed everyone with his talkative personality—his excited calls could often be heard from down the hill when he spotted his care staff approaching with a meal. While his vocal enthusiasm tested his trainers’ ears, his comfort around people made him an excellent ambassador and a perfect introductory bird for new staff learning to work with raptors. He enjoyed visitors at his enclosure, whether staff on a break or tour groups eager to learn about his species.
Despite his advancing age, Hudson remained in good health until January 2025, when staff discovered a scab-like growth at the base of his tail. The growth was surgically removed and sent for testing, revealing an aggressive cancer. Given Hudson’s age and the tumor’s location, surgery was not a viable option. To prevent the inevitable discomfort and pain, staff made the compassionate decision to euthanize him.
Even though Hudson didn’t spend his whole life at the Wildlife Center, he was an important and well-loved member of the team in his final years. Rest in peace, Hudson—you were an incredible ambassador for your species and will be dearly missed.