Wild Rescues: Center Heals 800 Animals Annually

Near Olney, the Wildlife Center of the North Coast has dedicated nearly three decades to the rehabilitation of wild animals. Last year alone, the center received 1,500 calls via its wildlife rescue hotline, successfully admitting over 800 patients representing 98 different species, predominantly birds.

Rehabilitation efforts involve a multi-step process of capture, containment, and transport, often facilitated by a network of experienced volunteers. The clinic, which extends its services from Astoria to Otis and east to Clatskanie, collaborates with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, even assisting with oiled birds from the Port of Astoria.

Inside the clinic, specialists utilize a range of equipment, from standard veterinary tools to custom-made solutions like popsicle-stick neck braces, to treat injuries. Some complex cases may be transferred to specialized facilities like the Bird Alliance of Oregon for expert care.

Once stable, animals enter a period of rehabilitation in specialized enclosures. Volunteers play a vital role in their long-term care, including feeding, while wearing camouflage to prevent habituation. The ultimate aim is to release the animals back into their natural environments close to where they were found.

Beyond rescue, the center actively engages the community through educational programs. Its annual Jr. Naturalists Summer Camp offers week-long sessions for students in first through eighth grades, focusing on wildlife education and hands-on science. These programs aim to inspire curiosity, stewardship, and a lasting connection to the natural world.