Spring Patients and Rescues!

We've been busy at the Wildlife Center! This little Guadalupe fur seal was very tiny when she was found. Her mom may have been chased into the water by people or dogs. When you see marine mammals on the beach, it's best not to approach them and call someone who can help them. Our hotline number 310-458-WILD.

Our baby skunk is making herself at home until she gets big enough for release. This is her cute end. You definitely wouldn't want to see the stinky end!

Our red-lored parrot, Meg was a victim of domestic violence. Her owners were charged with animal abuse. Our vet, Dr. Tom adopted her and brings her to the Center with him so we can all enjoy her.

This juvenile great horned owl is also doing very well. He's eating lots of mice!

This adult, female sea lion was rescued from Zuma beach. She was very skinny and didn't look like she was feeling very well. She also had an orange tag on her right, front flipper which means she has been in rehab before. The number on it told us she was released from the Care Center in Ft. MacArthur in November of 2010. We're hoping she does better this time around.

Last, but not least, this mama opossum and her five babies are getting ready to be released. By the time you read this, they will once again be free in the wild. This is the most rewarding part of our jobs at the Wildlife Center and a joy to witness!

Big Free-tail bat!

On January 3, 2011, the California Wildlife Center got a very interesting rescue call. A family living in a high rise apartment building in Santa Monica had noticed a large bat on the outside of their 14th story window screen. It had been there for a few days and they were worried something was wrong. They called CWC and a team responded and rescued it. It was a Big Free-tailed bat (nyctinomops macrotis). Our first at CWC!

Big free-tailed bats roost mainly in crevices and rocks in cliff situations, although there is some documentation of roosts in buildings, caves, and tree cavities. Their weight ranges from 25-30 grams (ours was 16g upon arrival) and they have a wingspan of 17-18 inches. They are a seasonal migrant and a powerful flyer. Their only known doucmented predator is the owl. They forage almost entirely on large moths, but some data exists to document occasional foraging on other insects, including grasshoppers, beetles, crickets, leafhoppers, stinkbugs and flying ants.

Our bat did very well and was released back into the wild in Orange County closer to his kind.

Coyote Release 2010

These 5 coyotes came to us as pups from all over Los Angeles County. Here is their story from rescue to release.

Deer Release November 2010

These deer fawns came from Los Angeles County and San Diego County. Check out their rehab and eventual release!

CWC's Fall Open House

Join us for an afternoon of…
Entertainment • Wildlife Education • Children’s Activities
CWC’s Fall Open House
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Noon – 4 p.m
26026 Piuma Road, Calabasas, CA 91302
Most activities will be outside, so please dress accordingly.
Refreshments Served • Free Admission • Children Welcome
RSVP: email Admin@californiawildlifecenter.org or (818) 222-2658

Meet the Staff: Ask the Marine Mammal Response Team about why seals and sea lions “strand” themselves on the beach and what you can do to help. Ask our Hospital Techs and Volunteers about how to recognize a fledgling bird… one that should be left alone and not kidnapped. Ask Dr. Tom about his most unusual wildlife cases.

Guided Tours: View an informative video followed by a tour of the Center led by one of our knowledgeable volunteers. Visit the intensive care hospital and the Baby Care Unit.

Children’s Activities: Animal face-painting and visor decorating; learn how to build an easy bird feeder.

Coastal Cleanup Day is September 25th from 9am - Noon

Grab your parents and head out to Zuma beach for a fun time in the sun and you can do something really great for the environment too! Every year, the California Coastal Commission sponsors coastal cleanups on beaches up and down the California coast. Last year, over 80,000 people helped out! You will be AMAZED at how much trash people leave on our beautiful beaches. It harms the environment, the ocean and the animals that live in and around it. Hope to see you at the beach!
For information about volunteering with us, contact jeff@californiawildlifecenter.org

A Bear...Really!!!

On July 25, 2010,the California Wildlife Center received a very large and unexpected visitor. The State Department of Fish and Game brought a 250-pound brown bear that they had captured in someone’s backyard. It had an injury to its leg, which they wanted the center’s veterinarian, Dr. Duane Tom, to evaluate and treat. Dr. Tom was more than happy to help them out. The patient did very well and was later released back into the wild.

Photos courtesy of the California Wildlife Center by Gayle Uyehara