Edgerton Explorit Center Grieves Loss of Three Raptors in Fire

Heroic efforts by first responders save bald eagle, but three other birds perish in blaze

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A fire at the Edgerton Explorit Center in Aurora, Nebraska killed three raptors - an eastern screech owl, a Swainson's hawk, and an American kestrel - that were part of the center's Raptor Program. However, two Aurora police officers and two firefighters were able to rescue the center's bald eagle, Aquila, from the blaze. The fire was started by a heater kept in the enclosure to keep the Swainson's hawk warm during the winter.

Why it matters

The Edgerton Explorit Center's Raptor Program served as educational ambassadors, helping thousands of students and families learn about wildlife, conservation, and the natural world. The loss of these three birds is devastating for the center and the community it serves.

The details

The fire broke out around 7 a.m. on Friday near the back of the building where the raptors' enclosure was located. The first responders acted quickly to rescue Aquila the bald eagle, who was treated at a nearby veterinary clinic and is expected to return to the center. However, the three other birds - Doc the eastern screech owl, Roy the Swainson's hawk, and Chetan the American kestrel - perished in the blaze.

  • The fire broke out around 7 a.m. on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • Aquila the bald eagle was expected to return to the Edgerton Explorit Center on Friday night for close monitoring.

The players

Edgerton Explorit Center

A learning center in Aurora, Nebraska that housed a Raptor Program featuring several birds of prey, including the three that perished in the fire and the bald eagle that was rescued.

Aurora Police Department

Two officers from the Aurora Police Department assisted in the rescue of Aquila the bald eagle from the fire at the Edgerton Explorit Center.

Aurora Fire Department

Two firefighters from the Aurora Fire Department also helped rescue Aquila the bald eagle from the fire at the Edgerton Explorit Center.

Parks Veterinary Clinic

The veterinary clinic in Grand Island, Nebraska where Aquila the bald eagle was taken and treated after being rescued from the fire.

Aquila

The bald eagle that was rescued from the fire at the Edgerton Explorit Center and is expected to return there after receiving treatment.

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What they’re saying

“Aquila is alive today because of the heroic actions of two Aurora police officers and two firefighters who broke into the enclosure and pulled him from the fire. He would not have survived if it weren't for their courage and quick response, and we are forever grateful for what they did.”

— Mary Molliconi, Executive Director, Edgerton Explorit Center (1011now.com)

“I mean, it's America's bird. You got to try every effort to keep it safe and protected, so I made every effort that I could, and with my assistance with law enforcement, we were able to make that happen. So it was pretty fulfilling to know that we could save a bald eagle.”

— Timothy Jones, Aurora Firefighter and EMT (1011now.com)

“These birds were part of our family. They served as incredible education ambassadors, helping thousands of students and families across Nebraska learn about wildlife, conservation, and the natural world. We are devastated by their loss and the absence they leave in our program and our hearts.”

— Mary Molliconi, Executive Director, Edgerton Explorit Center (1011now.com)

What’s next

The Edgerton Explorit Center plans to work with licensed wildlife partners to identify injured, non-releasable raptors that can join their program and become new education ambassadors, rebuilding their raptor program in the coming months.

The takeaway

This tragic fire highlights the important role that the Edgerton Explorit Center's Raptor Program played in educating the community about wildlife and conservation. The heroic actions of first responders saved one of the center's most iconic birds, the bald eagle, but the loss of the other three raptors is deeply felt. The center's commitment to rebuilding and continuing this vital educational work is a testament to its importance in the community.