ANIMAL INSTINCTS
It has come to the rescue in countless ways and now it’s time for the California Wildlife Center to celebrate a decade of good deeds. The animal-loving organization marked its tenth anniversary with 400 friends and fans at the breathtaking Gull’s Way estate, overlooking the Pacific in Malibu. Over the years, the center and its dedicated staff and volunteers have become the go-to guys for animal emergencies. No one knows that better than board member Victoria Harris. “I think we’ve done a darn good job keeping the doors open,” she said, “taking in over 16,000 animals and responding to over 50,000 phone calls during that time.”
There have been several occasions for which I called the center, myself, after coming across a sickly seal on the beach or an injured critter in the canyon. Each time, the CWC responded quicker than a hummingbird on a sugar high. So, it’s no wonder the neighborhood, including Cindy Crawford and Mia Sorvino, turned out in a big way to thank the organization at its annual “Wild Way” fundraiser.
The sold-out event started on a musical note, with sizzling sounds from Elettra Blu, Maureena & The Maniac Cadillac Band and Music Entertainment. The go-wild winding featured a delicious taste of Malibu, with top-notch cuisine from local eateries and great grapes from nearby wineries. It provided the perfect opportunity to increase your animal cred at various information booths, to pick up a stylish CWC tee, or to place a bid on any number of items in the silent auction. The live auction had loads of appeal for nature lovers and included a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Galapagos Islands, an African photo safari and a chance to join the CWC for a champagne celebration when it returns six rehabilitated fawns back into the wild. CWC staff members and volunteers also had spirits soaring later in the day when they released into the wild a previously injured, magnificent cooper’s hawk, who was ready to fly again thanks to the center’s TLC.
The CWC was founded in 1988 by a group of concerned citizens who believed that when our furry, finned and four legged friends find themselves in trouble, they deserve a second chance. Every year, hundreds of sick, injured and orphaned animals receive medical treatment with the goal of rehabilitation and release. The CWC facility includes an intensive care hospital, a baby care unit, a surgical and x-ray room as well as outdoor enclosures on three acres provided by California State Parks.
Volunteers and doctors have treated a vast array of native species including deer, coyotes, raptors, bobcats, opossums, big marine mammals and even little guys, like songbirds and squirrels.
The non-profit group does not receive state or federal funding and relies on donations, memberships and grants. On Sunday, animals lovers did their parts to help the CWC continue its mission of caring for creatures, big and small. The “Wild Way” take raised more than $100,000. Now that’s what I call fierce!
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