Twice this season we have had to make the difficult decision to defer patients from coming to the clinic for several days at a time.  As a staff and organization that dedicates ourselves towards making a difference for local wildlife in need, this has been an excruciating decision. Yet despite growing our clinic budget in conjunction with an increase in admissions, growing our volunteer and intern team, and growing diagnostics to get patients out quicker to keep space in our outgrown building, we just could not keep up.  S everal other facilities or home-based rehabilitators have ceased operations in the past year because of the growing impact of human activities on local wildlife and the environment, coupled with no dedicated government funding for this work, and a lack of value and understanding of the link between human and the health of our environment, which has put an even bigger strain on our small team and building.   

But one thing we do have is hope and resolve. The curtailed admissions have been very temporary, and we have been able to defer callers to the rehabilitators that remain throughout the states of ME, MA, and NH. Our clinic staff are working long hours to ensure the 200 patients that are in our care are getting everything they need to return successfully to the wild.  Our fundraising staff, volunteers, and board of directors work daily to spread the word and expand our donor base and resources.  Our education team also works 365 days per year to help empower our public to take action for our environment and prevent negative impacts.  And our executive director and capital campaign committee are working tirelessly to come up with short and long term solutions to the very large and growing demand for our services from the public. 

What can you do?  Consider a flex volunteer shift.  If you are retired or have extra time and have a love for wildlife, consider becoming a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and getting your volunteer hours and training through our clinic program.   Make a gift today to support our efforts. Contact your local state senators or representatives and let them know you would like to see funding dedicated towards this work. And spread the word about the unique and integral work that Center for Wildlife provides despite our "shoestring budget" and cramped quarters.  We couldn't do it without you! 

"Welcome to our Wild Family"

Annual Open House

Sunday, Sept. 10, 11-3pm

The Center for Wildlife has been fortunate enough to welcome two new non-releasable wild animal Education Ambassadors into our family this year, including Wilbur the Virginia opossum and Violet the turkey vulture. On top of that, we had a porcupine patient give birth while in care. We have also welcomed new members of staff, volunteers and interns into our wild family. As such, the theme for Center for Wildlife's Open House this year is "Welcome to our Wild Family!" 

We are all connected to our wild neighbors, whether we celebrate that or not. Their habitats are our habitats; their homes are our homes. Join us to learn about our wild neighbors and meet some of our beautiful wildlife ambassadors up close, a rare opportunity to be in the presence of animals we may only catch glimpses of in our local fields and forests.

There are only a handful of centers like ours in Northern New England. We are honored to do this work, and this event helps people understand that our own personal well-being is intricately tied to that of our local wildlife and the environment, even if those links are not always obvious. We will be joined by partners in the field of conservation medicine, research, and environmental education including Mt. Agamenticus Conservation Region, White Pine Programs, York Land Trust, and others, for a day of education and activities for all ages.

This event typically draws over 300 community members at the Center for Wildlife and gives the public a chance to meet the staff, volunteers, and live ambassadors at our biggest awareness event of the year. Participants can learn about New England wildlife and our unique work through live animal presentations about what we have in common with our wild neighbors and how to live alongside each other.

The day includes:
* Tours of our baby bird room to observe wildlife rehabilitation in action
* Wildlife releases
* Nature crafts and activities
* Face painting
* Education Programs
* CFW Raffle, including personal experiences with some of our amazing animal ambassadors
* "Baby Shower" table where folks can drop off urgently needed donations for the hundreds of baby animals we see each year
* A photo opportunity with our wildlife ambassadors as well as our Henry cut out! - BYOC (bring your own camera)

There is a $5.00 per person suggested donation for this event, with proceeds going directly to help fund our work.  To learn more or to see the program of events for the day, click here.  We hope to see you there!