Wildlife Medical Clinic....

Center for Wildlife proudly serves the New England region managing close to 1,700 cases each year (native wildlife injured because of vehicle collisions, pollution, fishing line, oil spills, and other unnatural causes), representing more than 150 species of birds, reptiles and mammals. The goal of the medical / rehabilitation clinic is to medically treat injured wild animals so that they can be released back to the wild where they belong.

Wildlife Education Programs and Community Learning...

For 20 years, Center for Wildlife has also provided environmental education outreach programs bringing live animal ambassadors to schools, libraries, state parks, senior centers, and other venues, providing a unique learning experience to over 5,000 individuals each year. The Center includes a robust internship program and an active volunteer base. We partner with regional Universities and the Department of Inland Wildlife and Fisheries to prepare for and address natural disasters and zoonotic diseases. Center for Wildlife’s Wildlife Assistance Hotline fields over 12,000 calls each year providing assistance to callers from all over New England.

Wildlife Research and Collaboration...

Recent accomplishments include a species study and published findings with Tufts/Seanet – focusing on seabird mortality (specifically Newcastle’s Disease in double-crested cormorants); continued work with BioDiversity Research Institute, providing data from some of our patients for mercury and other toxicity studies. In 2011 we were very pleased to have launched a pilot study and secured specialized funding to place a transmitter on a one-eyed owl that has been released back into the wild. This post-release study will provide much needed post-release data to the wildlife medical community; be the first study to offer information on island-dwelling Maine owls; allow data and techniques to be applied to poorly studied, uncommon, or special concern species; and be a pilot project to offer information on the sometimes 50+ owls admitted to Center for Wildlife each a winter. We look forward to continued growth in our research and diagnostics capabilities.

In terms of rehabilitating wild animals, it is always our goal at CFW to intervene only when absolutely necessary. Remember: please don't rescue unless rescuing is needed!  If you think you've found a wild animal in need of help, protect it from immediate danger, then call us at (207) 361-1400 before taking further action!  This is especially important with babies and juvenile animals!

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