LATEST NEWS & BLOG FROM CWC
Taxidermy Exhibits
The reality of working at a wildlife hospital is, despite our best efforts, some animals don’t recover. In these cases, they may be held or necropsied to assist with law enforcement investigations, determine their cause of death, or be preserved for research
May 19, 2025/by Saras VenkatramRehabilitating Adult California Sea Lions affected by Domoic Acid Toxicity
The California Wildlife Center’s marine mammal rehabilitation program turned 13 this year. During the 2013 “Unusual Mortality Event” affecting California Sea Lion pups (less than 1 year of age) we transitioned from a rescue and transport program to one that includes on-site rehabilitation of young Northern Elephant Seals and California Sea Lions. Each winter, spring, and early summer, the majority of rescued marine mammals in Malibu are early weaned or severely malnourished seals and sea lions.
May 19, 2025/by Saras VenkatramA Tail of Survival
California Wildlife Center recently treated an almost 8-pound bobcat who was rescued from a burn area in Sierra Madre after the Eaton Fire. On January 29, the bobcat was admitted to Pasadena Humane emaciated, with burns on her paws and singed fur on her backside.
May 19, 2025/by Saras VenkatramThe Littlest Dove
Every Spring brings hundreds of young animals to our center in need of care. They come to us for a variety of reasons including losing their mother, being injured, or being ill. One of the first species we see in the Spring is the Mourning Dove. These quiet little birds are a common visitor to many urban backyards and are known for their tell-tale cooing that is reminiscent of a sorrowful call.
May 18, 2025/by Saras VenkatramMeet our First Interns of the Season!
California Wildlife Center’s ability to help 4,000 patients annually is largely due to the stellar team of volunteers and interns that donate their time and hard work to assist our animal care staff. Every year, CWC hosts 25 interns who are admitted into one of three internship tracks - Marine Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation, Wildlife Rehabilitation, and Wildlife Hotline and Outreach.
February 18, 2025/by Saras VenkatramWildfires and Wildlife
Living in Southern California, we are all accustomed to the year-round fire season and the impact it can have on our lives. When a fire is imminent, humans are often preoccupied with our own need for survival; we often forget about how natural disasters like wildfires impact the surrounding wildlife.
February 18, 2025/by Saras VenkatramThe Northern Elephant Seal: “Orange”
One of the special patients rescued this past season was case #24-046, nicknamed “Orange,” for the color of the nontoxic grease marker applied as identification. This young male elephant seal pup was rescued from Westward Beach on March 24, 2024, due to severe dehydration, emaciation, and an injury to the right eye.
February 18, 2025/by Saras VenkatramThe Fox and the Fence: A Tale of Healing and Care
In December, we were contacted by an Agoura Hills animal control officer, letting us know their team was going out to rescue a Gray Fox sitting in daylight atop a high chain-link fence, refusing to jump down. This is highly abnormal for a fox.
February 18, 2025/by Saras VenkatramAn Unexpected Visitor from the Wild
As fall has finally arrived, most of our young patients are ready to return to their wild homes. Each year, California Wildlife Center (CWC) rehabilitates injured, orphaned or abandoned young Mule Deer. This year, we cared for four fawns.
November 3, 2024/by Saras VenkatramBuilding a Brighter Future for Wildlife Through Education
Like many nonprofits, CWC’s greatest hope is for our services to be a last resort. We care deeply for our patients and treasure our experiences with them, but they arrive in our care due to accidents and illnesses.
November 3, 2024/by Saras Venkatram