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Animals like this coyote pup and a broken-armed squirrel receive care from the California Wildlife Center, so they will hopefully be able to return to the wild.

The California Wildlife Center kicks off its 2006 fundraiser at Rancho Chiquita

By Kim Devore / Staff Writer

They’re pals with the pelicans, saviors to seals, close to the coyote and buddies with the bobcat. In fact, when critters have a close call, the California Wildlife Center is a beast’s best friend.

In the past, workers have helped to clean up hundreds of helpless gerbils who found themselves covered in sticky ocean goo. They’ve picked up sick seals by the score and most recently came to the aid of an orphaned coyote pup who was found wandering the grounds of Malibu High School. The pup was dehydrated, emaciated and covered with ticks. But thanks to the CWC’s TLC, the pup is now on the road to recovery.

In the past eight years, the CWC has cared for and come to the rescue of more than 10,000 animals.

To celebrate the center’s good deeds and to raise a few dollars, the organization will be getting wild with its annual Wild Brunch. Called La Fiesta de Amigos, the friends of CWC fete will take place on July 9 on Corral Canyon at Rancho Chiquita.

This year’s friends of the CWC party has a mariachi theme featuring regional Mexican cuisine, a Lula Margarita bar and musical performances by Cale. The center will be honoring longtime animal activist Gretchen Wyler, who will receive the 2006 Free Spirit Award.

Locals Kelsey Grammer, Mayor Ken Kearsley, Ed Begley Jr. and John Paul DeJoria join longtime critter cuddlers Tippi Hedren and Doris Roberts on the Honorary Committee.

The gathering is the group’s biggest local fundraiser. Proceeds will benefit the organization and the animals it serves in a variety of ways.

The CWC runs a wildlife hospital where animals are examined and treated by a special wildlife vet as well as trained volunteers who work with a network of veterinary and specialized care centers.

The CWC’s Marine Mammal Response team provides emergency assessment and paramedic rescue to sick and injured seals, sea lions and dolphins. The MMR works with residents as well as city, state and federal agencies on many animal emergencies.

Once rehabilitated and capable of surviving on their own, the animals are released back to their home in the wild.

One major problem is that wild habitats are becoming increasingly congested. California is home to more species of wild animals than any other state in the country. Those animals now must co-exist with a human population that is expected to reach 55 million over the next 14 years. That means that the demand for animal response and care will continue to grow as well.

So whether it’s raptors or bobcats, opossums, songbirds or squirrels, local creatures can take comfort that the California Wildlife Center is on the prowl and always just a phone call away.

The Wild Brunch to benefit the California Wildlife Center will take place on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rancho Chiquita, located at 1401 Corral Canyon Road. For more information, call 818.222.2658.