It's March 1, and that means PatParrisTV is introducing this month's GivingProject. The Tucson Wildlife Center has been rescuing, rehabbing and releasing wildlife for the past 25 years. Find out how to support their work
TUCSON, Ariz. — Each month we showcase a local nonprofit for our KGUN 9 Giving Project—Doing Well by Doing Good.One of the best-kept secrets in Tucson, it's a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and returning wildlife to the wild.
"When you can bring something back and get it rehabilitated and then be able to release it again, there's just no feeling in the world like that." ~Kathy Carter, Wildlife Care Specialist Kathy Carter is a Wildlife Care Specialist and an Arizona Master Naturalist at the Tucson Wildlife Center. She oversees many of the baby bunnies and birds who come into Southern Arizona's only wildlife rescue center.She did that with a newborn javelina last month—within hours of it being brought into the center. "Those moments are extremely special when you've reconnected something so small, and delicate, and in need with the right thing, which is the parent." Hubert Parker is responsible for raising funds for the Tucson Wildlife Center. "Our mission is rescue, rehab and most importantly release," said Parker, the center's development coordinator."Our object is to get 'em back into the environment in their natural habitat."Started a quarter century ago by Lisa Bates and her husband, the wildlife center now takes care of nearly 5,000 wild animals a year. "We're the only wildlife rescue hospital in Tucson and all of Southern Arizona," Parker said."We will go wherever—to Bisbee, Patagonia—to pick up injured owl, bobcat, javelina, whatever. They not only rely on donations, they relay on more than 150 volunteers to help care for the wildlife."In one day, we took in about 24 neonate bunnies. It was, I mean—it's like mayhem, you know, when that happens," said Carter. Located on Speedway near the Tanque Verde Ranch, the Tucson Wildlife Center is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month.Hubert:"It is. We're real proud of it, we're proud of the work we do and think we're a big asset to the community." We invite you to make a donation to Tucson Wildlife Center at our Giving Project page. Our partners in the Giving Project, the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, will match the first $500 in donations.Pat Parris is an anchor and reporter for KGUN 9. He is a graduate of Sabino High School where he was the 1982 high school state track champion in the 800 meters. While in high school and college, he worked part-time in the KGUN 9 newsroom. Share your story ideas and important issues with Pat by emailing pat.parris@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Local resident says City of Tucson isn’t cleaning up homeless encampmentSu Libby said the homeless encampment on the Pantano Wash near Speedway and Kolb has not gotten cleaned up by the City of Tucson, but the City told her they cleaned it up 3 times.
Read more »
Visitors can soon watch sea turtles, other coastal wildlife receive care at Texas rescue centerThe Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi will soon unveil what will be the largest coastal wildlife rescue facility in the Lone Star State – and one of the biggest in the country. | via TexasStandard
Read more »
State aquarium’s new wildlife rescue center enables public to observe animals being savedThe $15 million facility features a gallery from which members of the public can watch...
Read more »
Business awards earned in Tucson and Southern ArizonaHonors earned by Southern Arizona businesses, leaders, organizations.
Read more »