LATEST NEWS & BLOG FROM CWC
An Elephant Seal’s Recovery from Stingray Barbs
On the afternoon of May 11th, patient #22-078 hauled out on Broad Beach in Malibu. Weighing 103 lbs. and measuring just over five feet long, few people might think to call the CWC Marine Mammal Rescue Team out for a wellness check.
August 15, 2022/by protectanimalsKeep Them Wild
Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are named for their large mule-like ears that can rotate and move toward sounds like little satellite dishes detecting precise locations of sounds to escape danger. They flee with high jumps, leaping and landing on all four legs.
August 15, 2022/by protectanimalsDon’t be a Birdglar!
Each spring CWC gets hundreds of calls from the public regarding baby birds that have fallen from the nest. This can be a very stressful moment for everyone. Seeing a baby bird appearing “helpless” on the ground can induce panic. Being on the phone with the person who sees this baby bird on the ground can be even more panic inducing! So, stay calm and follow these guidelines if you encounter young birds on the ground.
April 25, 2022/by protectanimalsFlocks of Finches
If you have a birdfeeder in California or have an eye for birds flittering by the side of the trail, you’ve seen House Finches. They’re small, lively, streaky grey birds; only about 21gm (0.74oz) on average. The males’ heads, chests, and shoulders are boldly colored red or reddish orange, looking like they’ve been dipping a little too deeply into somebody’s red wine! Last year, CWC received just over 300 of these little birds that had been rescued by the public, many of them babies still dependent on their parents (or we humans as substitutes…) for care.
April 25, 2022/by protectanimalsFrom Volunteer, to Intern, to Staff
My journey with CWC began back in 2019, when I became a volunteer in the Orphan Care Unit. At this time, I was months away from graduating with my bachelor’s degree didn’t have much of an idea of what to do next. During my time volunteering, I had the opportunity to work with other interns who all really enjoyed their internship, which made me think about applying for the position.
April 25, 2022/by protectanimalsMarine Mammal Department Enhances the Training Program for Volunteers
CWC responds to hundreds of distressed marine mammals along the Malibu coastline each year, performing rescues when appropriate. The strength and backbone of the program stems from our team of devoted volunteers. Without their countless hours of demanding work, our ability to efficiently investigate reports and care for in-house patients would be hindered. Thus, the higher the skillset of team volunteers, the greater the number of distressed animals that can be offered assistance.
January 20, 2022/by protectanimalsEnclosure Expansion Excitement at CWC
Spring and summer are fast paced and exciting at CWC. Patients pour in through the doors and we never know what surprises await us each day. This time of year, all our focus is on the thousands of wild animals we receive that need our help. But as fall arrives, our patient load drops, and we can focus on other things like construction and remodeling.
January 20, 2022/by protectanimalsWhat Was ICU Up To In 2021?
2021 was quite a year here at California Wildlife Center (CWC). This past year we had 4,013 animals come to our facility. Our Wildlife Technicians are directly responsible for the care of our patients and every patient that came through our doors was assessed by the technicians in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
January 20, 2022/by protectanimalsA Great Horned Owl Flies Free
This Great Horned Owl was brought to CWC from West Valley Animal Control one afternoon back in late September. There was no history to go with the transfer, why she had come into care was unknown. What was immediately apparent however, were abrasions on the bird’s cere (the base of the upper beak) and, although the talons could still grip, she was dehydrated and unable to stand. The wounds were cleaned and subcutaneous fluid given to rehydrate the bird.
January 19, 2022/by protectanimalsBasking in the Sun
A California State Park employee brought a female adult Western Pond Turtle to the California Wildlife Center in late June of this year. Her top and bottom shells were cracked, chunks of shell were missing, and she showed signs of an infection. The ranger found the turtle in the road with injuries consistent with a sudden impact trauma, such as being hit by a car. This was CWC’s first turtle patient of the year.
September 2, 2021/by protectanimals