(Photo | Courtesy of Think Wild Central Oregon)
It’s no secret that Central Oregon is growing — fast. The population of Deschutes County is 190,000 and expected to reach 250,000 in the next five years, which will inevitably strain the natural environment and its inhabitants. Animal intakes and calls to wildlife hotlines have increased substantially in the past decade, and 70 percent of injured or orphaned native species reported are a result of human conflict. These numbers are expected to increase as the region grows.
This summer, Central Oregon’s injured and orphaned native wildlife will have a new place to be treated. After three years of planning, zoning and construction, the Think Wild Wildlife Hospital and Conservation Center will open its doors to treat and rehabilitate native wildlife so they can be successfully released back into the wild. Completed with the help of community support and the work of Family Heritage Builders, the hospital is fully equipped and expected to house over 100 patients in its first year.
“Every year, Think Wild receives thousands of calls to its Wildlife Hotline. We do our best to coordinate animal care with the skilled, local wildlife rehabilitation community, but these specialists are absolutely strapped for capacity,” said Sally Compton, Think Wild executive director. “The need for a public wildlife hospital in Central Oregon is long overdue. But before we can open, Think Wild needs your help.”
In order to provide more long-term, specialized care and treat a range of native species in the future — including mammals, raptors, songbirds and waterfowl — Think Wild has to build a wide variety of Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conditioning Enclosures. These can span from a small, 15-foot concrete-based enclosure for mammals to a 100-foot-long flight cage for hawks, eagles and owls. And that’s where local business support is needed.
“Think Wild is offering permanent, on-site naming opportunities beginning at $2,500 for enclosures and hospital rooms to raise funds to meet a challenge matching grant of $96,400 from HEDCO Foundation,” said Compton. “We also have sponsorship opportunities available through our Wildlife Hotline voicemail and promotional materials.”
Community members can call the Wildlife Hotline (541-241-8680) between 8am and 8pm seven days a week if an injured or orphaned animal is found. Outside of those hours, or if Think Wild staff is not able to answer, callers will listen to a voicemail that encourages them to leave a detailed message and informs them that a particular sponsor supports native wildlife care in Central Oregon.
Think Wild will accept patients by appointment through its Wildlife Hotline as capacity allows or direct the caller to the appropriate local wildlife rehabilitator based on species. The Wildlife Hotline and Hospital are operated by a team of experienced volunteers and local volunteer veterinarians, and overseen by Think Wild’s Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation, Pauline Baker. In addition to animal care, Baker will also manage partnership, research and professional development opportunities at the hospital, such as workshops for veterinary clinics, internships for Central Oregon Community College Veterinary Technician Program students and research collaborations with Oregon State University – Cascades.
Although the hospital will not be open for public access to minimize stress and promote a healing environment for patients, there are volunteer positions available in Think Wild Education, Outreach, Animal Care and Wildlife Hotline and Transport.
“We are so excited for the Think Wild hospital to fill the regional need for wildlife rehabilitation and to provide a significant and enduring impact in Central Oregon,” said Compton. “The abundance, diversity and uniqueness of wild places and animals here in Central Oregon are what makes our home so special. I think our community recognizes that, and I want to thank all of those who have already supported us and those who plan to support us in our growth.”
For more information or to inquire about naming and/or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Sally Compton at sally@thinkwildco.org or (541) 933-5437.
