Wildlife Rehab and Education reached an important milestone this year with the opening of its Wildlife Center. The achievement would not have been possible without the unfailing support of our volunteers, their families, individual contributors and our corporate sponsors. The workload has been grueling as we honored our commitments to the wildlife entrusted to our care, provided educational opportunities, taught Oil Spill Response Workshops, responded to oil spill drills as well as oil spills AND opened the Wildlife Center. It is with a deep sense of wonder and respect that we look back on everything that has been accomplished this year and smile.

With great pride and joy we hosted our Grand Opening. The event was magical at times as we shared the depth and breadth of our programs and commitment to native Texas wildlife. As always, the Educational Ambassadors took center stage thrilling young and old alike. No words can equal the impact of seeing an owl or hawk in person knowing mankind is responsible for its tragic but in this case, redemptive journey. Our flagship ambassador, the Great Horned Owl cared for by Sharon Schmalz is nearing twenty-five years of educational service. He has educated tens of thousands of school children. He came to Sharon with multiple injuries, but it was the gunshot that severed half of one wing that made him non-releasable.

The good news is that the media, both print and television have taken a great interest in the Wildlife Center and have given us much greater exposure to audiences that we had previously been unable to reach. Even better, native Texas wildlife have benefited from the public’s awareness of who we are, what we do and our message of conservation. The bad news is that we have stretched our resources thin to service the increased demand. In particular, we need more suitable release sites for opossum, raccoon, squirrel and water birds, more volunteers and additional financial support.

As spring approaches, the Wildlife Center will be in desperate need of volunteers to care for thousands of babies. The Wildlife Center provides a unique environment to learn and care for a wide range of species without a 24/7 commitment. We also provide opportunities for volunteers to answer phones, enter data for animals arriving at the center, shuttle wildlife between rehabbers and to release sites, fund raise and assist with the tons of paperwork that comes with running a facility.

In closing, Wildlife Rehab and Education wants everyone who has helped with our mission to serve native wildlife to know how deeply we appreciate your efforts. Thank you!