ABOUT US
Thunderbird Wildlife Rescue is a non-profit organization committed to the care and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned birds of prey (owls, hawks, eagles, and falcons). Our mission is to provide expert medical care, rehabilitation, and release services to wildlife in need while promoting education and awareness of the importance of wildlife conservation. When the renovations of our facility are complete, our goal is to obtain the necessary permits to rescue more species of birds and other wildlife.
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MEET
JENN SALO
Jenn Salo's passion for animals began with a childhood love of horses, leading to years of riding lessons and eventually her first pony. This marked the start of her journey as a rider and trainer across multiple disciplines.
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Though her dream of falconry was delayed due to location, Salo found purpose in rescuing injured wildlife. Her first rescue—three orphaned Canada Geese—sparked a lasting commitment. Encounters with birds like a raven with a broken wing deepened her understanding of wildlife struggles.
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Salo stresses that 90% of bird injuries result from human actions. She promotes simple solutions like window decals to reduce bird collisions. As Thunder Bay’s only caregiver for injured birds of prey, her home now serves as a recovery space for birds in need.
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Though laws limit keeping unreleasable animals, Salo dreamed of a sanctuary where such birds could live safely while educating the public. That vision moved forward with a December 2022 lease from the City of Thunder Bay for part of a former wildlife exhibit.
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Beyond birds, Salo also hopes to reintroduce the Lac La Croix Indian Ponies (Ojibwe ponies) to Thunder Bay—supporting cultural revival and conservation.
Her ultimate vision is a sanctuary where people and animals can connect, heal, and learn, fostering a deeper respect for wildlife and nature.