Needs
Northern California has some of the state’s most abundant and diverse wildlife. This is a source of pride and multiple benefits for our region as well as our state. With this wealth, however, comes a responsibility to protect our native wildlife, who need our help now more than ever. Wildfires, climate change, drought, and habitat loss threaten every species and have dramatically increased the number of wild animals requiring treatment.
In 1991, the year that Gold Country Wildlife Rescue (GCWR) was founded, the population of Placer County was 180,000 people. At that time, GCWR cared for approximately 300 animals annually.
Today, Placer County’s population has more than doubled, and GCWR now receives orphaned, injured, and sick wildlife from throughout the surrounding region.
Compounding the impact of the growing demand for care and resources is an increase in the severity of the animal’s injuries. This results in a requirement for more extensive and continuous care along with longer rehabilitation times. This, in turn, requires more space to house the animals, overwhelming the capacity of our current facility. To continue operations and meet this growing demand, GCWR relies on grant funding awards, donations, volunteers, and community outreach to support our mission. Our central areas of need:
• Resources. The essential food, medicine, supplies, and caging to house and care for approximately 4,000 injured and orphaned wild animals each year.
• Staffing. Staffing costs for the trained Wildlife Intake Center Technicians who are responsible for the intake and day-to-day care of the wildlife at our facility. Our Wildlife Intake Center Technicians, supported by a robust program of trained volunteers and interns, provide continuity and efficiency to our operations, ensuring that we can remain open 365 days a year.
• Capital Campaign. Our Wildlife Intake Center is located at the former Placer County Animal Shelter, a 60-year-old building with limited space that requires significant maintenance to properly function as a wildlife rehabilitation center. In 2020, we purchased the property and can now redirect funds to maintain this building towards a facility that we own rather than lease.
• Summit University stands as our cutting-edge apex predator rehabilitation center, specifically crafted with room for up to 10 Black Bear cubs. Almost as soon as the initial phase was finished, orphaned cubs required a safe haven for their winter rehabilitation. Once these bears are ready for release, we'll swiftly proceed to complete the remaining aspects of the facility.