Pacific Wildlife Care begins construction on new rehabilitation center
Construction is expected to take about 15 month
– Pacific Wildlife Care has begun construction on the Kim and Derrel Ridenour Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at 385 Buckley Road in San Luis Obispo.
The project follows Phase One of the Campaign for Wildlife, which raised more than $11.7 million to establish a permanent home for wildlife care and ensure long-term sustainability.
Phase One includes a main building with treatment areas, aviaries, and staff and volunteer spaces; specialized animal enclosures, pools and flight aviaries; and onsite and offsite improvements, including solar-powered infrastructure.
“This is an exciting moment for PWC and our community,” said Kristin Howland, Pacific Wildlife Care executive director. “Thanks to the generosity of Kim and Derrel Ridenour, the DKR Foundation, and our many supporters, we are building a facility that will allow Pacific Wildlife Care to continue fulfilling its mission for generations to come.”
Pacific Wildlife Care admits thousands of wildlife patients each year, many impacted by human activity. “We’ve outgrown our current Morro Bay facility,” Howland said. “The new center will provide the space, resources, and infrastructure needed to meet the increasing needs of both wildlife and our community.”
Construction is expected to take about 15 months. Until the new facility is complete, Pacific Wildlife Care will continue caring for wildlife at its Morro Bay location.
Although the Campaign for Wildlife has met its Phase One goal, the organization said continued community support is important to offset rising construction costs and expenses tied to moving and transitioning operations. Supporters can learn more and contribute at www.pacificwildlifecare.org.
Pacific Wildlife Care, founded in 1984, is the only licensed wildlife rehabilitation center serving San Luis Obispo County. Each year, the organization admits 2,700 to more than 3,000 wild animal patients across nearly 200 species, supported by more than 300 trained volunteers, staff and donors.
Pacific Wildlife Care is located at PO Box 4613, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403. The organization can be reached at (805) 543-9453 or at www.pacificwildlifecare.org.
