I respectfully request the attention of your readership to a pressing matter that directly affects very important members of local communities – our native wildlife. Recently I learned of the dire situation faced by the wonderful non-profit organization, The California Wildlife Center, which is based in the Santa Monica Mountains. For those of you who are not familiar with this worthy group, the CWC is responsible for the rescue, rehabilitation and ultimate release of orphaned, injured or ill animals, including aquatic creatures, which cohabitate our local areas. The CWC relies on volunteers who are on call 24/7 to provide immediate attention to whatever the wildlife emergency. It is hard work, often requiring acts of bravery that usually go unnoticed.
Unfortunately, the CWC is facing a real, immediate crisis. The Center is currently filled to capacity and the problem just seems to be intensifying. Here is a statistic that might better illustrate the problem. In April of 2001 there were 99 animals rehabilitating at the center. This April there are 470! This fivefold increase will certainly only worsen considering the lack of rain and subsequent serious fire season we are facing.
The core reason for my letter is to implore you to make a donation to and/or volunteer at the California Wildlife Center. I truly feel that in light the caring generous nature of our citizens, this financial predicament would not exist if people were aware of this critical situation. It is also important to note that the CWC receives absolutely no federal, state or city funds. They rely solely on membership, donations and a few small grants. I am confident that with this information we, the stewards of our beautiful land and all the beings that inhabit it, will rectify this problem. Please make a donation, whatever the amount, to this vital organization. For more information on the CWC, log onto www.californiawildlifecenter.org.
Jessica Newell-Gorman