The California Wildlife Center is in urgent need of volunteers and donations to handle a five-fold increase of animals this season. We are currently one of the only remaining wildlife rehabilitation facilities operating in the Los Angeles region. Water quality, drought, fires and development are putting an incredible strain on our local wildlife and our ability to care for them.
Located in Malibu Canyon, CWC took in 470 new animals in April, compared with 99 in the same period last year. Unfortunately, the CWC is facing a real crisis. There are not enough volunteers to handle the influx of animals and calls to the Hotline. Because of this, we cannot accept animals that may be orphaned but otherwise are healthy, until we have additional resources.
We have an immediate need for people to answer the Hotline, transport sea lions and other marine mammals and sea birds to specialized facilities in San Pedro, and prepare food, clean cages and feed baby birds and small mammals. CWC offers training for anyone dealing directly with animals. Anyone assisting with marine mammal transport must have a large vehicle for transport.
CWC receives no federal and state funding. To continue our operation, we need support from the local community. To make a donation or volunteer, we urge your readers to go to our web site at www.californiawildlifecenter.org or call 818-222-2658.
Aaron Frank, executive director
California Wildlife Center