Local wildlife rehabilitation center WildCare is on the move, packing up 70 years of history to relocate temporarily during extensive renovations at their San Rafael site. According to ABC7 News, WildCare, a household name for nature education and animal rescue since its establishment as a wildlife hospital in 1974, is making strides to ensure a smooth transition while their permanent home undergoes a $24 million overhaul, made possible through private donations.
The move started last Wednesday and is set to continue through September 29, when WildCare has been directing rescued wildlife to partner organizations in the region. The organization’s (415) 456-7283 hotline remains available to coordinate care for animals needing assistance. "We're so lucky to have partner organizations that can take patients, while we box up and move to our transitional location," Alison Hermance, marketing and communications director of WildCare, said, as per ABC7 News.
An official update from the WildCare website confirmed, "We will reopen for regular Wildlife Hospital patient intake at our Transition location on Monday, September 30, 2024." Meanwhile, WildCare supporters are being credited for their generosity, facilitating both the physical shift and the vision for a renewed facility.
The interim sojourn off North San Pedro Road in San Rafael will continue as WildCare’s base for around two years until the renovations are complete. It's time for us to have a facility that matches the work we do daily here at the hospital and nature education center, Executive Director Ellyn Weisel noted in an interview with WildCare's Facebook page. Indeed, the project, touted as the Elevate WildCare Capital Campaign, is still in its early, 'quiet phase,' beckoning community engagement and further support. Those interested in the efforts can email Nicole Trautsch, Director of Development, to gather more details about WildCare's transformative journey.
