Wildlife Learning Center (WLC) has joined the new anti-trafficking organization designed to streamline the response to the rescue of captured smuggled animals. In its year-end news letter WLC Director David Riherd said WLC has already attempted to save one smuggled animal, although the effort failed.
“WLC has already helped authorities by housing a young animal that was illegally smuggled into the United States. This unfortunate animal needed around the clock tube feeding and consultations with our veterinarian multiple times a day. Sadly, the animal was already in the advanced stages of an illness, among other serious ailments, and did not survive. It was such a heartbreaking end for an innocent animal that did not deserve to be smuggled into this country and treated so poorly by people who lack any compassion for animals,” Riherd said. (Boldface in original letter.)
“Our purpose is to help animals in need so it was without hesitation that we applied, and have been accepted to, the newly created Southern California Wildlife Confiscations Network, a first-of-its-kind program in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to help illegally trafficked animals.The purpose of the Network is to create a coalition of reputable and trusted animal care facilities to provide immediate medical care and housing for wildlife smuggled through U.S. ports of entry,” Riherd continued.
Among the animals rescued this year ae:
“Sur” a young bobcat (Lynx rufus). The young cat was injured by a car and treated by Pacific Wildlife Care Riherd said. WLC staff and volunteers brought him the 200 miles to WLC. He was not considered a candidate for release into the wild.
“Sur has adjusted remarkably well and thoroughly trusts his caregivers, never acting aggressively. His calm temperament was a bit of a surprise because unlike the many illegal pets we care for that are habituated with people, this bobcat was born in the wild and for him to be so comfortable with us was a little unexpected.”
According to Riherd pygmy hedehogs (Atelerix albiventris) are popular illegal pets and WLC often gets them when they are confiscated. This year two were surrendered to WLC by pet owners who no longer could or would maintain them. Similarly, a pet owner surrendered a red tegu lizard (Tupinambis rufescens). It is a popular animal in the pet trade. Although legal to own in California these lizards require specialized care, Riherd said. The lizard was fed an improper diet which has been corrected.
WLC also took in five rabbits, an injured raven and a hamster that was rescued from the jaws of a playful dog.
WLC also participates in Species Survival Plans. WLC welcomed the birth of two porcupines who have since been transferred to larger zoos. Porcupines are under population threat. Species Survival Plans help to bolster zoo populations to prevent extinction and provide for re-introduction into the wild.
The efforts are expensive, up to $3,000 a day for the roughly 100 animals at WLC. Riherd thanked the June Irene Chiltern Healey Foundation for donating $20,000 toward a backup generator. A generator will provide needed backup to ensure the safety of the animals if power goes off. Healey foundation is located in the Pacific Palisades and makes a limited number of donations annually.
“Admission sales, gift shop sales, animal experiences, tours, and other interactive programs help raise funds, but WLC is dependent on donations to close the gap between earned income and expenses. We know you have lots of worthy organizations to support, and we greatly appreciate your commitment to WLC. In addition to the costs of housing more animals, we always need a helping hand, so if you are able, please consider making a year-end gift to Wildlife learning Foundation,” Riherd asked.
Wildlife Learning Center continues to recover from the financial hardships imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Last year the center was able to buy a portable ultrasound machine. That purchase resulted from a fund raiser facilitated by DocWalks4Animals. Unfortunately, not all rescue efforts succeed as the story of Dash illustrates.