It’s time to look back on 2025! Check our blog between Christmas and New Year’s for a variety of stories and memories of 2025 from the staff of the Wildlife Center of Virginia.
One of the perks of being the Operations Manager is getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the special moments that happen long before an event ever begins. Our Annual Gala, for example, comes together over months of careful planning—everything from table settings and invitations to coordinating our animal ambassadors.
This year, however, I got to witness something truly special as we prepared for the Gala: Buddy the Bald Eagle's first off-site trip in years.
On August 21, I joined our Ambassador Program Manager, Haley, and Outreach Coordinator, Alison, for a site visit to Hazy Mountain Vineyard with Buddy. The goal of the visit was to make sure Buddy was comfortable in the space and able to safely interact with guests on the night of the event.
Upon arrival, Haley carefully brought Buddy out of his carrier, and he perched stoically on her arm, calmly taking in his surroundings. One by one, members of the Hazy Mountain staff filtered into the atrium, pausing mid-step as they realized a Bald Eagle was watching them. Haley and Alison fielded all their questions and shared insights while Buddy observed it all. Watching Haley work with Buddy, it felt almost like he stepped right back into the swing of programs.
Even though I’m fortunate enough to see our ambassador animals every day, this visit still felt especially memorable. Seeing Buddy in that setting reminded me just how extraordinary these animals are. And while Buddy ultimately wasn’t able to attend the Gala itself—since Haley, his primary trainer, was out sick—the event was still a success, filled with laughter, connection, and meaningful time with our supporters (and Buddy did make it to another event a few months later!).
Moments like these, both behind the scenes and in the spotlight, are what make all the effort worthwhile. I’m constantly impressed by my coworkers (both human and ambassador) and the skill and care they bring to everything they do, and days like this are a reminder of why our work matters.
– Amber Buck, Operations Manager