As the number of injured and orphaned wild animals arriving at our center continues to increase, so does the urgency of our mission. To meet this growing need – and ensure every patient receives the expert care they deserve – we’re creating a vital new role: Director of Animal Care.
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Lauren Michaels, DVM, has joined California Wildlife Center as our new Director of Animal Care. Dr. Michaels brings with her an exceptional depth of experience in veterinary medicine, wildlife rehabilitation, and animal welfare. With a career dedicated to both clinical excellence and compassionate care, Dr. Michaels is uniquely poised to lead our animal care team and advance our mission: to rescue, rehabilitate, and release California’s native wildlife.
In her role, Dr. Michaels will oversee all aspects of animal care, ensure the highest standards of veterinary treatment, and help guide the continued growth and success of our rehabilitation programs. Her leadership will not only strengthen our medical protocols but also help us provide the best possible outcomes for the patients who depend on us.
One of the most important reasons for creating the Director of Animal Care role is to ensure we can provide the highest standard of veterinary medicine seven days a week, 365 days a year. Wildlife emergencies are unpredictable, and it is critical that we have a wildlife veterinarian on site every day to meet these urgent needs. We are thrilled that Dr. Lauren Michaels, alongside Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Guthrum Purdin, will work as a team to ensure that every wild animal in our care receives the highest quality medical attention.
But we can’t do this without you. Your gift today will help us:
- Expand our capacity to treat more patients with complex needs
- Train and support our animal care team more effectively
- Improve outcomes for thousands of animals each year
This is a pivotal moment for us, and a powerful opportunity for you to invest directly in the future of wildlife rehabilitation and recovery. With your support, we can ensure that every wild life we rescue has the best possible chance to heal, grow, and return home.
Thank you for your compassion, your generosity, and your commitment to the wild.
