In April 2026, Buddy the Bald Eagle met His Majesty King Charles III during the King's visit to Shenandoah National Park-an extraordinary moment in the Wildlife Center's history. Now, you and up to five guests are invited to celebrate Buddy's royal encounter with a traditional Afternoon Tea at the Wildlife Center of Virginia.

Enjoy loose-leaf tea, freshly baked scones prepared by Buddy's trainer, Haley, served with clotted cream and jam, along with a selection of classic crustless tea sandwiches. As you spend time with one of the Wildlife Center's most beloved education ambassadors, you'll hear the story of Buddy's remarkable life and the unforgettable day he met the King.

Your experience also includes the unveiling of a new addition to Buddy's exhibit commemorating his meeting with King Charles III. To remember the occasion, you'll receive a framed photograph of that historic encounter, beautifully matted with original artwork painted by Buddy himself-a one-of-a-kind keepsake available only through this special experience.

While curtsies and bows are entirely optional, they may be appropriate in the company of one of the Wildlife Center's most distinguished ambassadors.

Individuals attending the August 15 event will be able to bid on this item through our live auction.

If you are unable to join us in person, you may place an absentee bid on this item.

Please place your absentee bid[s] on live auction items by email at auctionbid@wildlifecenter.org.

In your email, please give us your name and address, a brief description to identify the item on which you would like to place an absentee bid, and your maximum bid for each item.

We will confirm your bid by email.

The deadline to submit absentee bids is Friday, August 14, at 12:00 noon Eastern.

Our animal ambassadors play an important role in our mission, helping people connect with the incredible work happening in our wildlife hospital. Each ambassador has a story to tell, and we're excited to welcome a new one to the team ... a Virginia Opossum!

Virginia Opossum #26-0742 was transferred to the Wildlife Center in April 2026 from another wildlife rehabilitator. While her full history is unknown, our veterinary team discovered two fractures in her tail. The damage was irreversible, and the veterinary team had to surgically amputate most of her tail, meaning she could no longer safely be released back to the wild.

In the weeks following her recovery, our outreach staff began evaluating her as a potential animal ambassador. She quickly showed she would be a great fit and officially joined the ambassador team in May. Now, she's ready to start teaching the world!
But first, she needs a name!

We're inviting you to help choose her name! The name you choose will help create a meaningful connection between this opossum and the thousands of people who will meet and learn from her. For many, it will be a name they'll remember for years to come!

Name subject to approval by Wildlife Center staff

Individuals attending the August 15 event will be able to bid on this item through our live auction.

If you are unable to join us in person, you may place an absentee bid on this item.

Please place your absentee bid[s] on live auction items by email at auctionbid@wildlifecenter.org.

In your email, please give us your name and address, a brief description to identify the item on which you would like to place an absentee bid, and your maximum bid for each item.

We will confirm your bid by email.

The deadline to submit absentee bids is Friday, August 14, at 12:00 noon Eastern.

Created by Lucy, the Wildlife Center's Virginia Opossum ambassador, this one-of-a-kind framed original is equal parts artwork and conversation piece.

Working alongside Outreach Coordinator Alison, Lucy selected her own color palette from several animal-safe, water-based paints before setting to work, choosing shades of purple, yellow, and teal. Motivated by a trail of mouse treats, she made her way across the canvas, creating a playful, colorful original. According to Alison, Lucy's artistic philosophy seemed to be, "Don't think, just do."

Since joining the Wildlife Center's team in the summer of 2025, Lucy has quickly become a favorite with supporters and audiences at educational programs across Virginia. Now, her creativity can become part of your own collection.

Professionally framed with a matching purple frame and UV filtering conservation glass donated by Morgan-Miles Picture Frames.

Dimensions: Framed, 17" x 13.25" x 1"

Individuals attending the August 15 event will be able to bid on this item through our live auction.

If you are unable to join us in person, you may place an absentee bid on this item.

Please place your absentee bid[s] on live auction items by email at auctionbid@wildlifecenter.org.

In your email, please give us your name and address, a brief description to identify the item on which you would like to place an absentee bid, and your maximum bid for each item.

We will confirm your bid by email.

The deadline to submit absentee bids is Friday, August 14, at 12:00 noon Eastern.

Few moments in wildlife rehabilitation are more powerful than watching a recovered Bald Eagle return to the wild. As the winning bidder, you'll do more than witness that moment: you'll help make it happen.

Attend a public Bald Eagle release and take your place at the center of this unforgettable occasion. You'll have the extraordinary honor of opening the transport crate-the final barrier between a rehabilitated Bald Eagle and its return to the wild. In that single moment, you'll help mark the culmination of weeks or months of expert veterinary care.

Following the release, enjoy lunch with Wildlife Center President Meg Gammage-Tucker and learn more about the eagle's journey from rescue to release, the Wildlife Center's work to conserve Bald Eagles, and what it takes to return these iconic birds to the skies.

Please note: Bald Eagle releases cannot be scheduled far in advance. Wildlife Center staff will coordinate with the winning bidder as release opportunities become available. Releases take place in appropriate habitat, typically near the location where the eagle was originally rescued. While release timing is unpredictable, we will make every effort to accommodate your schedule.

Individuals attending the August 15 event will be able to bid on this item through our live auction.

If you are unable to join us in person, you may place an absentee bid on this item.

Please place your absentee bid[s] on live auction items by email at auctionbid@wildlifecenter.org.

In your email, please give us your name and address, a brief description to identify the item on which you would like to place an absentee bid, and your maximum bid for each item.

We will confirm your bid by email.

The deadline to submit absentee bids is Friday, August 14, at 12:00 noon Eastern.

Looking for a memorable gift that lasts longer than a greeting card? Here's your chance to surprise someone special with a personalized video message from one of the Wildlife Center's beloved education ambassadors! One lucky winner may choose from the Center's 17 ambassador animals to help celebrate a birthday, Mother's Day, graduation, anniversary, or another special occasion with a one-of-a-kind greeting.

The customized video may include personal messages, be up to one minute in length, and is subject to Wildlife Center approval and ambassador comfort.

Expires: August 31, 2027.

This striking panoramic display celebrates "Mom Norfolk," the well-known wild Bald Eagle remembered as the mother of Buddy, the Wildlife Center's beloved ambassador, and the 2011 "Rock Stars." Photographer James Deal captured multiple images of Mom Norfolk in flight, creating a dynamic composition that conveys the grace and power of a soaring Bald Eagle.

The dramatic panoramic image is showcased in a substantial handcrafted rustic wood frame, creating a one-of-a-kind statement piece for any home, office, or cabin.

Dimensions: 39.5" x 15" (including extended corners adds 5" in length and 4" in height)

Thanks to the generosity of members of the Wildlife Center's Board of Directors, shipping is included for the winning bidder (U.S. addresses only).