Education

The peaceful co-existence of humans and wildlife is an essential goal of the WR&E Wildlife Center.   Humans are only one part of the planet. Humans must learn to work with Mother Nature and not against her. Interrupting the natural system causes more harm than good. When wildlife is removed from the environment it causes an unnatural result and often causes additional problems for a homeowner such as an overabundance of snakes, mice, rats and cockroaches.

Environmental education and assistance is available by trained individuals for phone inquiries on a variety of questions relating to injured or orphan birds and mammals. It is not uncommon for WR&E professionals to spend a great deal of time coaching an individual on capturing and safely transporting a wounded animal to our Center.  Time is also spent educating individuals on how to peacefully coexist with our native wildlife.

The WR&E has a Children's Area in the Lobby

WR&E provides presentations on numerous topics for audiences from pre-school to adult. When it is safe and appropriate, our some of our Education Ambassadors are available to accompany the speaker. On-site  Presentations at the WR&E Wildlife Center are encouraged.  We have an educational tool named the “Peaceful Coexistence” house at the Wildlife Center that simulates several solutions to common ways wildlife gain access to buildings. WR&E also provides trained speakers on an off-site basis to address civic groups, businesses, schools and other organizations interested in native wildlife.

Without education we have no hopes of stemming the tide of habitat destruction, escalation of conflicts between wildlife and people and the waves of orphans that are found two to three days after mom has been trapped and relocated or the babies that are accidentally kidnapped by well meaning people who want to help but don’t know how.

There is a wealth of information under the tab “Need Help?” concerning how to determine if a baby that appears to be orphaned really is or not, supportive care until the animal can be transported to the Wildlife Center, constructive ways to handle “problem wildlife” and wildlife friendly gardening.

If your question can’t be answered by the information under the “Need Help?” tab, please consult with a trained WR&E volunteer before intervention. The Wildlife Center can be reached by phone at 713-861-WILD (9453), 7 days a week during operating hours.