b"CHARITY OF THE MONTHSQ UTHWESTM arch 3rd is World Wildlife Day. Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center ~~~ W ILIFE(SWCC) rescues native wild animals L D that have lost their homes to development, or CONSERVATION CENTERare found injured, orphaned, or abandoned. When possible, the animals in their care are rehabilitated and releasedhealthy and wildback where they belong. Their trained staff and volunteers are on call 24/7 to respond to any wild mammal emergency. Injured animals are carefully transported to their onsite clinic to receive care. Whether it's a dehydrated bobcat in need of IV fluids or a coyote that requires life-saving surgery, no animal is turned away.The rehabilitation process assures every animal has a quiet place to heal and begin its journey back to the wild - with minimal human contact. For some animals, this may be a few weeks of rest and recovery; others may require a longer stay to heal fully. Those animals that could not survive in the wild can live out their lives at their accredited sanctuary. They dont buy, breed, sell or trade animals, nor are the animals for hire or used for commercial purposes. Southwest Wildlife shares its knowledge and passion about animals through education. They hope not only to educate but also to inspire people to learn about and respect our wildlife and conserve its habitat. Education includes advice on living with wildlife and the importance of native wildlife to healthy ecosystems. Educational and humane scientific research opportunities are offered in the field of conservation medicine. They are proud of their contribution to the recovery of an endangered speciesthe Mexican gray wolf. As a holding facility, they offer space at their sanctuary to care for part of the captive population of this rare wolf and participate as a member of the Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan (SSP).During the spring and summer months, SWCC is flooded with orphaned baby animals needing round-the-clock care and feeding. Sterilizing baby bottles, preparing specialized formulas, and filling hungry bellies turns SWCC's clinic into a wildlife maternity ward. Once weaned from the bottle and eating on their own, these orphans are moved to an outside area with releasable animals and 'foster parents' of their kind. There they will learn important lessons that will help them transition back to the wild. When they 'graduate' from Southwest Wildlife, they begin a new chapter in their wild lives. Release sites are carefully chosen to maximize the odds of successful reintroduction.Donations are critical to their success and Southwest Wildlife gives you the opportunity to sponsor a nursery baby. Their clinic is overflowing with injured and abandoned baby animalssome so young their eyes havent opened! Their care requires diligence, compassion, and lots of supplies so from now through March 13, your donation to their Virtual Baby Shower makes you a partner in the care and feeding of these tiny, helpless wild ones. Youll be helping them grow strong, so they can return to the wild where they truly belong.Over more than 25 years, SWCC has rehabilitated thousands of sick, injured, orphaned, and displaced wild animals. More than 70 percent have been successfully released back into the wild. A sponsor package would make a wonderful gift for the animal lover in your life, or become a sponsor yourself and show your love for wildlife. By sponsoring a sanctuary animal, you are helping SWCC provide the proper food and care necessary for that animal and others like them, to live out the rest of their lives with them. Their animal care staff has compiled a wish list of must-have items on Amazon and also on their website if you would prefer to donate in that manner.Whether youre an Arizona resident or visiting from outFind more information of town, a Walk with Wildlife tour of their sanctuary is aabout donations, unique opportunity to learn about our magnificent nativevolunteering and tours at wildlife. Guided tours allow you to get an up-close view ofSouthwestWildlife.orgsome of the permanent sanctuary animals as guides shareMailing Address:their compelling stories. Each month a Full Moon TourSouthwest Wildlife offers guests the chance to see what our native wildlife isConservation Centerup to in the mysterious hours of the night. If you're lucky,PMB 115you might even hear a serenade from the Mexican gray8711 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd.wolves or the tiny howl of the grasshopper mouse. YouScottsdale, AZ 85255may see the courting dance of a tarantula or the climbingSanctuary Address:acrobatics of coati. On select Saturdays throughout the27026 N. 156th Styear, you can explore Southwest Wildlife at your own paceScottsdale, AZ 85262on their Family Days! Please note: SWCC IS NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC without an appointment or an event480-471-9109reservation. All tours, visits, and donation drop-offs mustswcc@southwestwildlife.orgbe scheduled in advance. *ArizonaRealCountry.com March 2022 73"