Get to know Alyssa Giaquinto, a Climate & Nature Champion with Mass Audubon's Rescue Raptors Campaign
My love for wildlife started when I was 6 years old, the day my father came home from a morning walk with a box of baby Virginia Opossum joeys. He explained the mother was struck and killed by a car, but her babies were still alive inside her pouch. Later that day we brought the joeys to a wildlife rehabilitator for a second chance at life. I was always amazed by what my father did that morning and what wildlife rehabilitators do to help save our native wildlife. Fast-forward 30 years and I am now a state and federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
When my daughter was born, I decided to make wildlife conservation my mission. I fear that in my daughter’s lifetime she will witness the extinction of various hawk and owl species that we take for granted today. My educational ambassador, Bella, a non-releasable Barn Owl, is an amazing representative of her species. She eats two to three mice per day, and through our work together I impress upon the public that she is nature’s best pest control.
Over the last few years, I have seen firsthand the devastating effects rodenticides have on our wildlife. After advocating for their ban for many years, I began working with Mass Audubon and the Rescue Raptor campaign and witnessed such positive support and impactful change. In May 2025, Bella and I were able to change the minds of the city councilors in Marlborough, successfully passing an ordinance banning Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs) on all city properties.
Nature and wildlife are resilient, and we have the power to change the future for the next generation. I am so thankful for Climate & Nature Champions and the members of Mass Audubon’s Rescue Raptors campaign. I encourage everyone to take the initiative in their hometowns to stop poisoning our silent partners. Together we can change the future and save our wildlife.
Feeling Inspired by Alyssa's Story?
Successful wildlife protection is possible because of dedicated and inspired people like Alyssa—and you. Join our community of Climate and Nature Champions to hear about opportunities to get involved, including our Campaign to Rescue Raptors.
Join Climate & Nature Champions
Have your own Mass Audubon story to share? Email us at [email protected].
You May Also Be Interested In
In Your Words: Ellie & Chris Leigh-Manuell
Father-daughter duo Ellie and Chris Leigh-Manuell turned their passion for nature into action, mapping invasives and restoring habitats at Drumlin Farm.
In Your Words: Erica Holm
Erica Holm shares her experience as Mass Audubon’s first ever urban ecologist.
In Your Words: Scott V. Edwards
We need to ensure that young people can make a living in science and that some of the coolest, weirdest, offbeat people are scientists. It’s not all people in white lab coats spending time indoors. In fact, a major part of my classes is spent outdoors learning biodiversity everywhere from Costa Rica to Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary in Marshfield.
Stay Connected
Don't miss a beat on all the ways you can get outdoors, celebrate nature, and get involved.