About the Center for Wildlife

Mission

The Center for Wildlife is a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to rehabilitate sick and injured wild animals, and to promote respect for wildlife and the environment. We do this by providing the full range of treatment services needed to rehabilitate birds, mammals and reptiles; assisting the public with issues relating to wildlife; and providing educational and outreach programs to promote knowledge and appreciation of wild animals and the habitats they depend on for survival.

Description

The Center for Wildlife, which opened its doors in 1986, is the only facility in southern Maine dedicated to the rehabilitation of wild animals. Over 1,500 animals are brought to the Center each year from communities throughout Maine and New Hampshire. Most of the animals are suffering from infection, illness or injury. The causes and types of injury vary widely; perhaps a great blue heron became entangled in fishing lures, a red-tailed hawk was shot or poisoned or a cottontail was injured by a cat. Whatever the illness or injury, the Center provides the full range of diagnostic, treatment and recovery activities needed to maximize each animal's chance of returning to the wild.

The Center also provides educational and outreach programs to over 4,000 children and adults throughout the year. Volunteers are vital to all aspects of the Center's operations, from animal care to fundraising.

About visiting the CFW

The Center receives many requests from people who would like to visit and view the animals. We would like nothing more than to be able to welcome the public on an on-going basis. However, we are a small organization and do not yet have the staffing capacity to both provide animal care and give regular tours. However, we are offering Spring and Summer Tours and in September our annual Open House is an event where the public is welcome to visit the Center. Better yet, we can visit you! The Center has ongoing Education and Outreach Programs to help the general public understand the wildlife of the area. Please e-mail us if you would like to be on the mailing list to receive an invitation to the Open House. Also watch this website for details on the Open House, starting in August. 

How you can help

There are a number of ways you can become involved with the CFW. We are always in need of volunteers, financial support, building materials and many other items. For a list of items that are always needed please take a look at our wish list.


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