Why do you care about and support WildCare?
Reason #5: To inspire compassion for wildlife
Did you know that opossums may walk up to two miles a day in search of food? For this reason, our Wildlife Ambassador Opossum is named Milo.
Milo, along with all of WildCare’s non-releasable Wildlife Ambassador,s makes it possible for people to learn about and become familiar with species they may have never seen before! Many times, this newfound knowledge transforms into respect and compassion. People who meet Milo the opossum “walk away understanding [opossums’] fascinating role in our ecosystem,” says Nicole, WildCare’s Director of Development.
Nicole has been able to release fully healed wildlife patients back to their habitats in the wild, and she feels immense gratitude that WildCare provides all injured and orphaned animals with a second chance at life. Through our Wildlife Hospital, Nature Education programs and advocacy, WildCare teaches people all over the Bay Area to appreciate wildlife, and to care.
This video features WildCare’s Wildlife Ambassador, Milo the Virginia Opossum! Milo came to WildCare as an orphan earlier this year. Upon intake, Milo was not thriving and lacked the proper fear response to predators, which is crucial to survival in the wild.Thanks to our Medical Staff and our Wildlife Ambassador team, Milo is now thriving as a Wildlife Ambassador.
Reason #4: WildCare’s Hotline is here for both animals AND people
Wondering whom to call for wildlife advice? WildCare’s Living with Wildlife Hotline 415-456-7283! From finding injured wild animals, to general wildlife questions, WildCare’s Wildlife Hotline is here to help. Our hotline is a free resource that provides support and advice, receiving over 15,000 calls from across the country, each year. Dion, one of our Wildlife Services Representatives provides information to callers that really does change the course of a wildlife interaction, and save animals’ lives.
This video features WildCare’s Wildlife Ambassador, Mohave the California Desert Tortoise! Mohave was found wandering around Mendocino, CA, most likely as an abandoned or escaped pet. The California Department of Fish & Wildlife does not allow reintroduction to the wild of Desert Tortoises due to the possibility of introducing disease to the wild population. Also, tortoises that have lived in captivity for years have a very low chance of survival if released. Mohave is estimated to be 70 years old!
Reason #3: To give wildlife a second chance at life
Dr. Juliana Sorem, WildCare’s first resident Veterinarian, spotlights patient 22-3200, an American Crow. On intake, the crow was unable to stand or use his legs. With no obvious fractures on x-rays, our medical staff has been treating him with pain medication and supportive care. Join Dr. Sorem for this bird’s last exam before graduating to an outdoor aviary, and his first moments in his new enclosure. “It’s these moments of restoring animals [back] to health that makes this all worthwhile,” says Dr. Sorem, who started her journey here at WildCare in 1996 as a volunteer.
Pigeons, House Mice, rats, WildCare admits patients of all shapes and sizes, even those that are considered “pests”. We strongly believe that all wild animals deserve a second chance at life, and our team makes this possible with excellent medical care and rehabilitation.
Reason #2: To change lives with our Terwilliger Nature Education Programs
Meet Rosie, WildCare’s Wildlife Ambassador Rosy Boa! Gentle and slow-moving, Rosie is not only a wonderful ambassador for her own species, but for all snakes, teaching adults and children of all ages the importance of responsible pet ownership. Our Wildlife Ambassador Program is one of the many ways WildCare’s Terwilliger Nature Education programs make an impact and change lives.
These highly interactive experiences connect children and adults with nature through the experiential environmental education techniques created by Elizabeth Terwilliger, Marin County’s beloved “Mrs. T.”
“I can’t tell you how many teachers have told me that many of their students have never experienced nature before participating in a Terwilliger Nature Education program,” says Kate, our Education and Front Desk Manager.
“It is these inspiring experiences with nature and wildlife that really [do] change lives,” she says.
This video features WildCare’s Wildlife Ambassador, Rosie the Rosy Boa! Rosie came to WildCare in 2014, when the family who was keeping her as a pet, no longer wanted to care for her.
Reason #1: To help people live well with wildlife!
WildCare envisions a world in which all humans live well with wildlife. Through our Wildlife Hospital, Terwilliger Nature Education programs, and our advocacy work, we provide the community with the knowledge and resources to navigate the boundaries between humans and wildlife. Alison, our Director of Communications, believes so strongly in our mission that she has dedicated the last 20 years to this vital work.
This delightful video features WildCare’s Wildlife Ambassador, Marshall the American White Pelican! Marshall came to WildCare after being found underneath a truck in Sacramento, CA. Marshall sustained fractured clavicles, a fractured hip, and head trauma, resulting in permanent blindness in his left eye. Due to his injuries, Marshall was unable to be released to the wild, but he makes a wonderful Wildlife Ambassador with his playful and curious nature.
Appearances also by WildCare’s Wildlife Ambassadors, Herman the Heerman’s Gull and Baja the Brown Pelican. To learn more about our Wildlife Ambassadors visit: https://discoverwildcare.org/educational-programs/our-wildlife-ambassadors/