On January 29th, WR&E held its rescheduled Open House.  The event was originally scheduled for September 13, 2008, but as many Houstonians remember that was the eve of Hurricane Ike. WR&E was excited to share our second anniversary with everyone that has supported the Wildlife Center.

Our volunteers allow us to provide care for thousands of animals. Without their time, energy and empathy we couldn’t provide such excellent care for this underserved population. Our volunteer veterinarians provide unmatched medical care by volunteering at the Wildlife Center or accepting patients at their own practices.

Several of our supporters are graphically talented and have donated their time and creativity to enhance the Wildlife Center’s lobby, newsletter, Website (new and improved coming soon) and our educational lectures. Last but not least are the thousands of supporters who’s donations purchase the formula, food, medicine, first aid and other supplies.

WR&E was pleased to honor the Texas General Land Office Oil Spill Prevention and Response Division for providing ten years of Oiled Wildlife Response workshops; Aramco Services Company, Chevron and ConocoPhillips for fifteen continuous years of support; BP and Data Display AV Company for the monitors, cameras and educational display for the Wildlife Center lobby, Limb Design for designing the mural for the lobby, Bechtel for printing the WR&E newsletter and Marathon Oil Company for providing presentation banners. 

Greg Pollock, Deputy Commissioner Texas General Land Office Oil Spill Prevention and Response Division accepts WR&E’s recognition for sponsoring ten years of Oiled Wildlife Response workshops.

WR&E also thanks our musicians from Houston Community College music department for providing entertainment, Banfi for the wine, Chevron, Webster Veterinarian Supply, IDEXX Laboratories and Schering Plough Animal for providing the food for the celebration.

Groups escorted into the facility were small in number (up to 10) to allow interaction with tour facilitators. Tours began in the 4,000 square foot general animal care room, complete with bird nursery (including incubators and heated aquariums) and netted fledgling room as well as areas for raptor, water bird and song bird care. The other side of the room showcased the mammal area which included incubators for the babies and larger crates for juveniles and injured animals.

Guests were introduced to other facets of wildlife care including a triage room and surgery room (which is still under development). To date, several donors have begun to contribute surgical apparatus (i.e. anesthesia machine and an autoclave, etc.) to equip the room. The tour included a glimpse of the giant warehouse space, which can be used to house animals temporarily if the need arises. One could only imagine the effectiveness of such an enormous weatherproof space when and if the scenario presented itself.

WR&E wishes to extend our appreciation to the numerous WR&E volunteers and the Houston SPCA employees which worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring about this success. In addition, special thanks goes out to our community friends that dropped by to learn more about what the Wildlife Center is striving to offer injured and orphaned wildlife in our area.  All had an enjoyable day.

September 20, 2007 was the official GRAND OPENING of Wildlife Rehab & Education’s Wildlife Center. Over three hundred people and media was in attendance.

The banner in the background extended WR&E’s profound thanks to the individuals and organizations who brought the Wildlife Center to fruitarian. The wonderful buffet and soft drinks in the foreground was provided by Lee Ann Kulka with Webster Veterinary, Jeff Rushing with Idexx Laboratories and Anthony Villarreal with Schering Plough.

Performers from the Houston Community College Music Department at Central College provided a stimulating musical backdrop. WR&E extends its gratitude to Carl Nilsen – percussionist, Curtis Robinson – cellist, Students of Pamela Binghan – clarinet ensemble; Student of Bruce Brogdon – solo guitarist

Escorted facility tours featured the training room where a display of the many facets of WR&E was displayed. The lobby was adorned with the Peaceful Co-existence Learning House and a large screen monitor depicting various patients who have been cared for by the Center.

Thank you to Bechtel for the loan of a large display board. They generously produced and mounted all the pictures for the display.

Tim Ryan at Banfi Vintners provided several varietals for an informal wine tasting. Thank you for your generous donation, the wines were excellent and they added an festive air to the celebration.

Aquariums for birds old enough to not require heat

Phil Jose, a Wildlife Center volunteer handles the Great Horned Owl Educational Ambassador. In the background, the netted fledgling room provides a safe location to feed babies that are beginning to fly, but are not self-feeding yet. Once they are self-feeding, they are moved to mews located at the Wildlife Center. When ready for release, the birds are moved to soft release cages in remote locations.

Cyndi Bohannon, tour facilitator and permitted wildlife rehabber handles the Barred Owl Educational Ambassador.