You Can Become a Wildlife Hero with the Tucson Wildlife Center

Picture this: you find an injured hawk on the side of the road. What do you do? The county animal control center specializes in domestic animals. Can they help a fallen raptor? Who should you call?

Who can you call if you find an injured hawk in Arizona? // Canva

That's where the Tucson Wildlife Center shines. Founded in 1998 by Lisa Bates and Peter Lininger, it became a 501(c)3 nonprofit in 2000.

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The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries recognized the good work they do at the center in 2019. They've been acknowledged as a legitimate, accredited animal sanctuary.

The center rehabilitates a variety of wild animals, including coyotes. // Canva

The center maintains high standards in helping wild animals recover from various ailments and injuries.

It operates a 24/7 emergency helpline, transports and captures injured animals, and provides 24-hour emergency care to wild animals. They specialize in treating and releasing species like javelina, raptors, and coyotes.

And they do it all for free.

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Nono and Valentine are barn owls like the ones in this photo. They can no longer fly and are permanent residents at the Tucson Wildlife Center. // Canva

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The Tucson Wildlife Center is the only wildlife rehabilitation center in Pima County. The free care for the center's $900,000 annual operating costs is provided through grants, donations, and fundraisers.

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One way to help the center is to sponsor an animal. Over the years they've cared fro a wide range of animals, like Bisbee, the Wildcat. Bisbee lacked the skills to survive in the wild and had a permanent home at the center.

Nono and Valentine were barn owls with wing injuries. Since they could no longer fly, the center was able to continue caring for them through voluntary sponsorship. The public can help! You can sponsor an individual animal to ensure its continued care.

Bisbee the Wildcat might look like the cat in this photo, but Bisbee no longer has the skills to survive in the wild, so she'll remain at the center. // Canva

If you'd like to choose an individual gift, the center can always use supplies from their Amazon Wish List or donations from this list.

Volunteer at the Tucson Wildlife Center

Many hands make light work, and the Tucson Wildlife Center volunteers have a wide range of duties.

Volunteers help with the animals, provide public education and outreach, perform office duties, and manage events. See the complete list for more information on volunteering and fill out the application form if you're interested in helping.

There are a lot of volunteer opportunities at the Tucson Wildlife Center. // Canva

For more about the Tucson Wildlife Center, visit their website or call 520-290-9453 (520-290-WILD) with wildlife questions or emergencies.

[ Sources: Tucson Wildlife Center | SanctuaryFederation.org | TucsonWeekly.com | Google Maps ]

All photos are for illustrative purposes only. For original images associated with the animals, please visit the Tucson Wildlife Center Website.

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