About White Mountain Nature Center In Pinetop AZ
Wildlife Encounters at White Mountain Nature Center: Family Fun in Arizona
The White Mountain Nature Center in Pinetop, Arizona, is a one-of-a-kind destination for nature & animal lovers, families, and anyone looking to experience the wildlife and ecosystems of the White Mountains up close. Whether you come for the world-class Free Raptor Show or to learn from their trained animal ambassadors, this nonprofit nature center provides meaningful encounters with some of the region’s most incredible species. Through hands-on education, daily wildlife demonstrations, and community events, the White Mountain Nature Center brings the outdoors to life while promoting conservation, stewardship, and sustainable recreation. It’s a must-visit stop on your White Mountains adventure.
What to See at White Mountain Nature Center
The Raptor Show
The star attraction, the Raptor Show, features majestic birds like Eurasian Eagle Owls, Red-Tailed Hawks, and Aplomado Falcons flying in free-flight exhibitions. Watch them demonstrate natural behaviors up close with expert trainers using positive reinforcement methods. Shows happen Wednesday–Saturday at 3 PM and there is a suggested price of just $5. In off-season, this price may be even less. Since this is a non-profit, it’s awesome to be able to support such a wonderful place with such a humble mission for such a small amount of money.
Your Donation Helps!
Donations play a vital role in supporting the White Mountain Nature Center’s mission to connect people with the natural world. Every contribution helps fund the care, training, and enrichment of their ambassador animals, like Funky the Owl and Astro the Falcon, while also making it possible to offer free educational experiences, such as the daily raptor flight demonstrations. Donations also fuel exciting future projects, including the construction of a 250-seat outdoor arena and expanded wildlife habitats. Whether you’re giving a few dollars or adopting an animal symbolically, your support directly helps preserve wildlife education and conservation efforts in the White Mountains. So thank you!!
Meet the Animal Ambassadors
Get to know unique birds with big personalities! These birds all help educate the public. They are trained with care and respond to cues for educational demos which is a rare treat for visitors of all ages. You can even see a bird fly right over your head!
🦉 Garfunkel (Funky) the Eurasian Eagle Owl
Known as the Nature Center’s most famous ambassador, Garfunkel—or “Funky”—is a majestic Eurasian Eagle Owl with a wingspan over six feet. As one of the largest owl species on the planet, Funky wows visitors not only with his size but his calm, commanding presence. He’s been at the center since he was a baby and is specially trained to demonstrate natural owl behaviors in a free-flight setting. Funky has even earned his own social media following thanks to his striking looks and peaceful demeanor during shows.
🦉 Simon the Baby Owl
Simon is the youngest addition to the Eurasian Eagle Owl team and the perfect sidekick to Funky. Though still in training, Simon is quickly learning to respond to cues and participate in exhibitions. His early training includes weighing himself, returning to his crate, and flying to perches on command. With soft downy feathers and wide eyes, Simon delights visitors with his curiosity and playful energy, and as he grows, he’ll join Funky to perform silent flight demos that showcase the natural power of these incredible raptors.
🦅 Speedy the Red-Tailed Hawk
Nicknamed “RTH Speedwagon”, Speedy is a stunning Red-Tailed Hawk and one of the most common hawk species in Arizona. He arrived from a rehab center out east where he had limited flight space, but under the care of the White Mountain Nature Center, Speedy regained his strength and now soars through the sky with impressive power. His high-speed takeoffs and acrobatic flight patterns make him a crowd favorite, and his rust-colored tail feathers help visitors identify similar hawks in the wild.
🐦 Azul the American Crow
Azul is not a raptor but she absolutely steals the show with her intelligence and charm. Found as a baby with bright blue eyes (hence her name, “Azul”), this American Crow has been trained to perform clever tasks like recycling trash, sorting shapes, and even operating a gumball machine to get treats. Her ability to mimic raptor calls adds to the fun, and she’s living proof of just how intelligent members of the corvid family can be!
🦅 Astro the Aplomado Falcon
Astro is an incredibly agile Aplomado Falcon, a species once abundant in southeastern Arizona. Now rare in the U.S., Astro serves as both an educational ambassador and a preview of reintroduction efforts led by conservation groups. His high-speed dives and aerial maneuvers during the daily raptor shows are jaw-dropping, and his story connects visitors to broader conservation efforts for falcons in the Southwest.
Interactive Wildlife Education
The center offers immersive opportunities to learn about Arizona’s diverse ecosystems, raptors, and the importance of conservation. From interpretive signs to hands-on exhibits and docents, it’s a great environment for learning.
Community Events & Day Camps
Year-round events, seasonal kids’ camps, and collaborative programs with local partners make the center a hub for family-friendly fun and environmental learning.
Nature Trails & Outdoor Exploration
Located near wooded areas and local trails, the center serves as a great starting point for exploring the White Mountains on foot. Ask about guided walks or nearby trail suggestions!
- Animals
- Indoor
- Outdoor
