LATEST NEWS & BLOG FROM CWC
Flocks 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 protectanimalsA Unique Release for a Unique Seal
On March 14th, we rescued an underweight Northern Elephant Seal pup at the La Costa Beach Club in Malibu. Once admitted this pup was marked with a blue non-toxic grease marker used identify individuals while in care, so we began to call him “Blue.”
September 2, 2021/by protectanimalsA Raven’s Journey to Recovery
Originally found in a rural area in Central California, Common Raven 21-2166 was treated for a fracture of his tibiotarsus, a leg bone. Once stable enough to travel, he hitched a ride with transporters to his destination here at our facility for long term care.
August 22, 2021/by protectanimalsA Second Chance for Orphaned Squirrels
Every spring, California Wildlife Center takes in orphaned baby squirrels, some just weeks old. Many people associate baby squirrels with those who live in trees. We also receive young California Ground Squirrels. We have admitted 39 so far this year. You can recognize them by the gray and brown fur on their backs with specks of lighter gray mixed in.
June 9, 2021/by protectanimals