The Wildlife Care Association (WCA) of Sacramento is a 501C non-profit that has served Sacramento and the surrounding counties since 1974. WCA’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and release wildlife back into local wild habitat. WCA is committed to educating and instructing the community in the respect, appreciation, and care of local wildlife. WCA is pledged to support the management and preservation of wildlife habitat. Over the years, WCA has grown to be the largest wildlife rehabilitation center in Northern CA. WCA is currently averaging over 7,000 wildlife intakes per year. WCA has a small paid staff that goes up and down based on the season. In addition to paid staff we currently have 256 volunteers! It takes quite a few people to feed and care for all these animals and birds with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. WCA’s operating funds are primarily derived from public donations (85%) with the remainder filled in by government and private grants.

WCA is open 365 days a year and will not turn away injured or orphaned wildlife when brought to the facility. WCA does not charge the public or government agencies who drop off wildlife but we certainly encourage donations! Depending on the age, species and level of injuries, some animals and birds are more costly than others to rehabilitate all the way to release.

WCA’s mission appears to go hand in hand with Sac Audubon. WCA would love to increase communication and partnership with Sac Audubon. Of the 7000 wild animals taken annually, 68% were birds. The largest amount of species of birds WCA takes are the most common, such as Mourning Doves, Mallards and House Finches. However WCA has taken in just about every species found locally. I personally have been thrilled to care for Yellow-billed Magpies, Norther Flickers, White-throated Swifts, Virginia Rails, Green Herons, Anna’s Hummingbirds, Barn Owls, White-tailed Kites and many more. Last week we received a juvenile Bald Eagle!

How can SAC Audubon members support WCA’s mission?

1. Spread the word about WCA and education of the public

2. Donate money or goods

3. Volunteer

I am grateful to Sac Audubon for allowing WCA this opportunity and look forward to future meetings and encounters. WCA would also be willing to provide a tour of the facility to Sac Audubon Board of Directors and other selected individuals. Do not hesitate to reach out.

Happy Birding!

- Laura Nickerson, WCA BOD officer/Secretary/HR oversight/volunteer