There are only 15 museum zoos in the United States—one is in Bend

The Jefferson Exchange

A hawk soars above the audience during a Raptors of the Desert Sky program at the High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon. The outdoor flight program happens daily during the summer. (John Williams)

In order for an accredited museum to also achieve accreditation as a zoo, requires special circumstances, special qualifications and an application process that takes years. Bend's High Desert Museum is now one of only 15 institutions in America to hold accreditations from both the American Alliance of Museums and the Association for Zoos and Aquariums.

Joining the Exchange is Jon Nelson, the Wildlife curator at the High Desert Museum in Bend.