Cody Culture Club: Beyond the Birds

MARCH 12 @ Buffalo Bill Center of the West

200 seats
5:30-7:30 pm

Join the staff of the Draper Museum Raptor Experience as they give a behind-the-scenes look at the ups and downs, joys and sorrows, and poop and feathers of caring for non-releasable educational ambassadors. With one of the birds in attendance, they will share the highlights of the last fourteen years and answer your questions about one of the Center of the West’s most popular programs.

Melissa Hill

Melissa Hill discovered her passion for raptors while earning her degree in Wildlife & Fisheries Biology & Management at the University of Wyoming and volunteering at Laramie Raptor Refuge. Since 1997, she has worked with more than 25 species of birds of prey across multiple facilities. She joined the Draper Natural History Museum to develop and lead the Draper Museum Raptor Experience, launched in 2011. A Certified Interpretive Guide, Melissa is also an author and has published two children’s book series on raptors with Capstone Publishing.

Brandon Lewis

Brandon Lewis joined the Draper Museum Raptor Experience in 2014 after interning for two summers. He presents public programs, trains volunteers, oversees enrichment, and cares for and trains the museum’s raptors. Brandon holds dual degrees in zoology and history from the University of Wyoming and has a background in public education with the National Park Service. He is a Certified Interpretive Guide and has interpreted American history in period dress since 2005.

Chloe Winkler

Chloe Winkler earned her degree in Zoology from the University of Wyoming and began volunteering with the Draper Museum Raptor Experience, later serving as an intern and seasonal keeper before joining full time in 2024. Her experience includes avian disease research, sage-grouse fieldwork, lab preparation, and skeletal reconstruction. Chloe combines animal care with engaging storytelling to inspire curiosity and conservation awareness in visitors.