Courtesy image.
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Pacific Wildlife Care (PWC) announces significant progress in the Campaign for Wildlife, aimed at establishing the state-of-the-art Kim and Derrel Ridenour Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. This transformative project will enhance wildlife care, ensuring that injured and orphaned animals receive the support they need at a modern facility.
Urgent Need for New Facilities
PWC has outgrown its facility in Morro Bay, a testimony to our success. In addition, our site-license with Vistra Energy expires in December 2025. Although Vistra has plans for the site, they are happy to continue working with PWC as we transition to a new space. We need a new, permanent home.
Location and Facility Highlights
PWC has secured the 10-acre site on the northwest corner of Buckley Road and Esperanza Lane in San Luis Obispo. The planned facility will encompass approximately 16,000 sq. ft., featuring 8,100 sq. ft. of external animal enclosures. This cutting-edge center is designed with the welfare of wildlife at its core, allowing for better rehabilitation practices and quicker response times.
Key features include:
? Dedicated surgery and isolation areas to ensure the highest level of medical care.
? Larger flight cages and transitional aviaries for birds and other wildlife.
? Flexible spaces for volunteer training and public educational programs.
? Strategic layout minimizing human interaction to enhance the chances of successful release back into the wild.
A Vision for the Future
The Campaign for Wildlife has already garnered an impressive $5.7 million from generous donors to secure the site and initiate construction. An additional $3.8 million has been committed through legacy gifts, ensuring the ongoing operations and long-term sustainability of PWC. The overall campaign is at 86% of the $11.7 million goal, with additional community support needed to reach the goal.
“The new Kim and Derrel Ridenour Wildlife Rehabilitation Center will not only provide a permanent home for our organization but will also significantly elevate the quality of care we offer,” said Kristin Howland, PWC Executive Director. “This facility embodies our commitment to wildlife rehabilitation and reflects our vision for the future.”
Timeline and Progress
The finalized plan check is anticipated from the County Planning shortly, and the anticipated groundbreaking date is early 2025. The centralized location will allow for swift responses to wildlife emergencies and community access, while the innovative design will accommodate the evolving needs of wildlife rehabilitation.
Support Our Mission
As we embark on this transformative journey, we also invite the community to consider supporting our ongoing operational needs. Your contributions, no matter the size, directly impact our ability to provide immediate care for wildlife in need. Regular operational support helps us maintain our existing programs and ensures that we are ready for the influx of animals that the new facility will accommodate.
Get Involved
The community’s support is crucial for the success of this campaign. PWC invites everyone to contribute to the future of wildlife care by donating today. Every dollar brings us closer to providing a safe haven for injured and orphaned wildlife.
Join Us in Making a Difference
To learn more about the Campaign for Wildlife, support our operational needs, and to make a donation, visit pacificwildlifecare.org. Together, we can build a brighter future for our wildlife and ensure they receive the care they deserve.
About Pacific Wildlife Care
Pacific Wildlife Care is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured and orphaned wildlife throughout San Luis Obispo County. With a commitment to high-quality animal care and education, PWC plays a vital role in protecting California’s wildlife for future generations.
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