YUWR_mission_history

Oakland, 2001: One day, when the neighborhood
kids brought us a dead opossum with hungry
babies crying in her pouch, we found that Oakland
and Berkeley did not have a wildlife rehabilitation
center, and that the nearest center was 30 miles
away. We also learned that the majority of wildlife
animals brought to the city animal control facilities
were euthanized because the city agencies were
unable to spare the officers to make that long
drive. We decided to work towards opening a
wildlife center local to the animals and children of
Oakland and Berkeley.
A wildlife center in Oakland, which has one of the
toughest inner-cities in America, is important, not
only for the orphaned and
injured wildlife in need, but
also for the children. We have
found that the same kids who
come to us from their rough,
urban environment open up
to a baby animal in need in
a way that is heart-warming
and one of the sustaining
rewards of this job. We know
the kids who come through
here carry away with them
a deeper understanding
and respect for life and the
environment we share. Our
hope is that some small fire
of compassion, care, and
a belief that their efforts can make a difference,
has been kindled in the hearts and minds of these
young people, that will stay with them and guide
them throughout their lives, encouraging them
to be more compassionate individuals and more
dedicated environmentalists. We believe that when
we provide these young people with an opportunity
to personally help some of the wonderful creatures
that inhabit dwindling wilderness areas in and
around cities, they acquire a direct understanding
that the solutions to environmental problems are in
their very own hands.
In August of 2002, my husband and I opened
this small wildlife rescue and education
history a brief
center out of our home. We had 3 outdoor
enclosures, a private backyard in which to
work, and 2 rooms inside for raising babies.
From August through December of that year,
we successfully rehabilitated and released 16
animals. We set up a website and a wildlife
telephone hotline so people could call to get
their wildlife-related questions answered and
report wildlife emergencies. We started habitat
preservation programs and encouraged native
plant restoration. In 2003, we were able to
help 94 animals and interest the neighborhood
children in protecting the animals around them.
In 2004 it jumped to over 150 animals and has
steadily increased, doubling every year. Up until
March of 2004 we were able to run this wildlife
center out of our own pockets, supplemented
by small donations from grocery stores and local
veterinarians, but with so many animals coming
in and an increased interest from the local
educational community, we needed funding as
soon as possible. We applied and were granted
State and Federal 501c3 non-profit status.
Our wildlife center quickly outgrew our house and we
needed more room quick! In May of 2004 we were
offered a rental property that seemed ideal. It was, on
1/3 of an acre with a house and a separate infirmary.
It was located on a steep hill, but we were not scared
off! We got to work rallying people, receiving donated
supplies and recruiting a workforce to terrace the
hillside. It was slow going but thanks to the blood,
sweat and tears of many dedicated people who
believe in our work, and to various organizations,
such as Rebuilding Together: Oakland, and OneBrick.
Org, by the summer of 2006 we had terraced the
backyard and installed 9 large pre-release enclosures
for our recovering wildlife patients.
We can proudly state that over the years
we have helped thousands of wildlife
animals get a second chance at a normal
life and inspired thousands of children
to respect, love, and protect wildlife
and the environment we all share. We
hope to be able to continue this work for
years to come.