Founder and owner of Northwest Raptor & Wildlife Center, Jaye Moore, has devoted 30 years toward both rescuing raptors and wildlife and educating the public about the various native species.

Moving from Clallam Bay, Moore started the nonprofit in Sequim 20 years ago and has nursed to health countless wild animals and raptors from otherwise unfortunate fates.

Although the work to properly care for the various animals, whether it be a raccoon, coyote or bald eagle, is never ending, Moore’s unconditional love and passion for animals tirelessly drives her every day.

“When we release an animal, that is the pay,” Moore said. “With every release, I think a part of me goes with them.”

Recognizing when to leave a wild animal alone, which is 99 percent of the time, Moore said, is one of the fundamental concepts she tries to instill when educating. Unless there is a clear sign of injury or distress, Moore explained, it’s best to leave a wild animal alone, especially during the springtime when there’s a abundance of young animals around.

Question 5: If you could appear as the main character in any medium, who would you be? And in what?

“It would have to be some Walt Disney animal flick … maybe ‘Bambi.’”

Question 6: What’s your favorite animal?

“The animals I’ve enjoyed the most are raccoons. They’re just so smart. We’ve had Jazz (raccoon) for 18 years now. She came to us as a baby after someone found her while cleaning their attic. I rescued 35 raccoons that year. Every year I kept thinking Jazz was going to get ‘wild’ but she never did and was determined to stay.”

Question 7: What’s your favorite color?

“Blue. So many things are blue – jeans are blue, the sky is blue. I don’t know why, but I’ve always liked blue.”

Question 14: Who would you most like to buy dinner for?

“My husband, for putting up with all of this (referring to the center). He has a passion for animals and we’re both hunters actually, but a lot of people just don’t seem to understand that. Hunters do a lot of habitat and wildlife conservation.”

Question 42: What’s you best or first memory of/in Sequim?

“I guess when people finally realized that I was serious about this place and the donations started coming in. It took about five years to get established. It was a struggle. Wild Birds Unlimited is a huge supporter, but the whole community is great.”

Bonus question: What are some goals for 2015?

“My goal is to always be better and to keep open to learning and feeling. It’s important to not become callous, but to keep feeling. Sometimes you feel like Dr. Death around here and I cry every time we have to euthanize an animal, but you keep going because the next one you might be able to save.”

Bonus question: What is the most challenging aspect of running the center?

“I’ve always wanted this place to be on its own property, separate from my home where someone else managed it and I could just come and help, but that hasn’t happened yet.”

In Random Questions, members of the community each draw five random questions (sometimes more) out of 50 from a bag and he/she will answer these questions for your entertainment. With suggestions for random interviews, e-mail Matthew Nash at mnash@sequimgazette.com.

Northwest Raptor & Wildlife Center

Mission: “Rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured wildlife; presentation of environmental education programs using live birds of prey; public outreach to individuals and organizations to appreciate wildlife in order to conserve it.”

Where: 1051 W. Oak Court

Phone: 681-2283

Website: nwraptorcenter.com