The Whatcom Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Needs Your Help!

an urgent plea from the WHS Executive Director

Dear friends of WHS and the animals,

Spring is here, and the longer days and warmer temperatures bring with them the arrival of wildlife baby season—the busiest time of year at our wildlife rehabilitation center. With this need at the forefront of my mind, I’m writing today with an urgent request for assistance to help our small but mighty wildlife center fulfill the remarkable service they provide to our community and wildlife in need.

Whatcom Humane Society is one of just a small number of humane societies on the entire west coast that provide care for wildlife. Since taking on this incredible endeavor back in 2014, we have seen a steady increase in the number of animals arriving at the doors of our wildlife rehabilitation center in need of care, services, and a second chance. Keeping wildlife wild, rehabilitating and returning wildlife to their habitats, and educating our community on how to humanely co-exist with wild animals are the bedrock of this work—and what an honor and a privilege it is to do so.

Last year, nearly 2,000 animals and 131 different species came through the doors of the WHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, including squirrels, ducks, gulls, eagles, owls, swans, opossums, beavers, seal pups, geese, robins, stellar jays, rabbits, chipmunks, and even a porpoise! Without the wildlife center, these animals would have no place to go. As the region’s first responder site for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife, our wildlife rehabilitation center is a safety net for wild animals in our community, providing essential services 365 days a year. We currently employee two highly trained and permitted wildlife rehabilitators; a licensed veterinary technician; and a small team of incredibly dedicated staff, volunteers, and interns who work around the clock at the center. They partner closely with the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, the United States Department of Fish & Wildlife, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and several other wildlife rehabilitation centers across the region.

The growing demand for assistance and the increasing costs associated with daily operations has placed the WHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in need of immediate support from the community. The budget for our wildlife center programs and operations is approximately $400,000 each year. Unlike other departments and programs within WHS, we collect no fees and receive no municipal, state, or federal funds to provide daily care for wildlife. The center operates entirely on generous support from community members and businesses, with a limited number of grants awarded that help bolster operations.

As a supporter of the Whatcom Humane Society, I know you recognize the call to protect the welfare of all animals in our community, domestic and wild. I also understand that times continue to be challenging and uncertain for many; still, I hope that you will consider providing our wildlife rehabilitation center with desperately needed funds on behalf of injured and orphaned wildlife throughout our region. The wildlife center is such an inspiring place and a true gift to our community—but as with all things, it is only as effective as it is supported.

Funds raised this spring will grant us the resources necessary to provide food and facility supplies, specialized care and veterinary services, field service vehicle fuel and maintenance, and the ability to manage critical operating expenses at our wildlife rehabilitation center. When you donate to the Whatcom Humane Society, you are guaranteed that your contribution will immediately be put to use right here in our community: WHS is not fiscally affiliated with any other animal welfare organization, so donor dollars directly assist local programs, services, and the animals that need us most.

Since 1902, the Whatcom Humane Society has depended on individuals like you to provide core mission support for our daily operations. By combining our expertise with your generosity, we can continue to be there to care for, defend, and advocate for all animals, including those who call our region’s wilderness home.

(360) 733-2080, ext. 3026 | director@whatcomhumane.org

P.S. In addition to donating through the link above, you can also sign-up to become a monthly donor here and provide sustaining support for the WHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center’s daily operations and work.