LATEST NEWS & BLOG FROM CWC
Incredible Interns and Volunteers
Volunteers and interns are an integral part of the successful rescue, rehabilitation, and release of the over 4,000 patients that arrive at California Wildlife Center each year. Volunteers are present at CWC seven days a week, 365 days per year to assist the wildlife technicians with day-to-day animal care tasks including cleaning and maintenance of enclosures, and giving the patients their diets, medications, and enrichment.
May 28, 2024/by Saras VenkatramMarine Mammal Team Responds to a Distressed Gray Whale near Point Dume, Malibu
At 9am on March 16th, 2024, we received a report that a deceased whale had come ashore at Little Dume. Upon arrival, it was determined that this 30-foot-long sub-adult male, weighing approximately 25,000 pounds (the same as seven cars), was still alive, yet in grave condition and floating at the surf line.
May 28, 2024/by Saras VenkatramAre You My Mother? When to Intervene
Encountering a young animal in the wild can be an exhilarating experience. Although it is natural to have the initial instinct to intervene in an attempt to protect the animal, stepping in without proper knowledge can do more harm than good.
May 28, 2024/by Saras VenkatramThe Pinniped Rehabilitation Pathway: From Rescue to Release at CWC
Read this pictorial story about the rescue and release of a malnourished California Sea Lion pup found on a busy beach
February 20, 2024/by Saras VenkatramEducation is On the Move at CWC!
The new CWC education program is an all-ages outreach effort centered on what wildlife rehabilitation is, how it is practiced, and how to live alongside wildlife as a good neighbor. Our van, funded through generous donations from (now retired) Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, will travel Southern California to offer free educational outreach opportunities.
February 20, 2024/by Saras VenkatramGiving a Duck the Boot
Many years ago, when my wife and I were finishing our undergraduate classes prior to attending veterinary school, we were co-directors of animal care here at the California Wildlife Center, just a few years after it first opened. I remember one case from this period that needed us to be especially creative in order to help a female Mallard who arrived in dire condition.
February 20, 2024/by Saras VenkatramWinter Wild Times – The Underground Owl
Burrowing Owls, as their name implies, mostly live in underground burrows dug by other animals such as ground squirrels or gophers. These small brown and white owls have long legs and yellow eyes. While CWC has admitted eighty owls so far this year, only two have been Burrowing Owls.
November 21, 2023/by protectanimalsOutstanding Outreaches
This season California Wildlife Center participated in 14 outreach events! These were a combination of educational presentations for schools and clubs, partnering with other non-profits, and hosting educational and interactive booths at events open to the public. As CWC is not open to the public or able to provide tours to school groups or camps, one of the most effective ways that we can increase exposure for the organization is to be present in the communities that we serve.
November 21, 2023/by protectanimalsMarine Mammal Off Season
Marine mammal strandings have a somewhat predictable pattern – spring and summer are extremely busy! A sharp bell curve of activity to be precise. Winter and fall months are generally slower seasons, as we respond to the rhythms of nature and the birthing calendar of our native species. There are fewer rescue calls received during the fall months in SoCal, and we close for rehabilitation during the winter. We are often asked, “what do you do when there are no patients on-site?” The reply – reflect, improve, and prepare for the next busy stranding season.
November 21, 2023/by protectanimalsWhen to Leaf Trees Alone
Trees are essential to our environment in many ways. They absorb and store carbon dioxide, which helps mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gases, and are a primary source of oxygen production. Roots help bind the soil preventing erosion, and some varieties of trees even improve soil by making it more fertile for plant growth.
November 21, 2023/by protectanimals