Sharon Schmalz, Executive Director

Winter is normally a time for rehabilitators to regroup and prepare for the upcoming cycle of Spring. While the absolute number of animals was down compared to spring months we remained quite busy. In order to give our readers a perspective, please note the shortlist of activities…

•Volunteers wishing to actively participate in the Wildlife Center’s mission of mercy grew. Numerous orientation and training sessions were held to prepare them for the 2008 season.

•An additional fledgling enclosure was constructed (inside the center) to expand the home for those feathered teens who think they are ready to find freedom. Although they are not ready for prolonged flight, the cage allows the caretakers a controlled environment to catch them after a successful escape.

•Efforts in equipping the surgery suite are ongoing. Items such as a surgery light, anesthesia unit, surgery table, autoclave, x-ray light box, microscope among others have been graciously donated to enhance our triage and surgery area.

•Three additional flight cages were added to our existing trio in order to meet the growing demand for outdoor space. Each provides one hundred square feet of floor space; built to meet and exceed federal standards. What a noteworthy addition to the facility!

•A new phased addition is underway to accommodate waterfowl. Comprised of both enclosure and pool, it will provide a ‘splash’ park for visiting waterfowl. The framework of Phase I is complete and WR&E is looking forward to raising funds to fulfill the remaining two phases in the near future. Phase II includes siding and Phase III incorporates a pool filtration system. Completion of this project is anticipated in time for our next Pelican and Northern Gannet residents.

•Education remained an integral part of WR&E’s efforts with the continued sessions with both boy and girl scout troops and school classes. Through these endeavors boys and girls of all ages as well as adults experienced benefits of sharing space with wildlife through the use of our Peaceful Coexistence teaching house visuals in conjunction with several of our wildlife ambassadors.

•Developed and instituted ‘hands-on’ training on our wildlife retrieval kit. The kit consists of nets, gloves, catch and dart poles. Through gifts of caring contributors, we attained the first of several. Plans are to acquire two additional kits for our center.

•Two Oiled Wildlife Response workshops were conducted. The first in Lake Charles, Louisiana sponsored by CITGO and the second in Brownsville, Texas sponsored by Texas General Land Office.

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.