It has been a record year for the Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center of Texas: The wildlife rehabilitation center has welcomed over 14,000 animals into its care this season, breaking its previous mark well before the start of December.
“The fact that people found so many animals during the pandemic really increased people’s awareness of us and our programs and what we do,” Yahney said in November. “They’ve kept bringing animals if they find more, or they told their friends and neighbors about our programs, and that has really kept the intakes coming in.”
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
As of Dec. 12, the center had welcomed 14,151 ill, orphaned or injured animals.
Founded 16 years ago, the Wildlife Center is one of the country’s largest animal rehabilitation centers and part of the nonprofit Houston SPCA. Staffers, along with volunteers, help nurse animals back to health so they can return to the wild. During its first year, Schmalz said the center took in around 2,000 animals.
How long an animal stays in the care of the Wildlife Center is dependent on the animal, the species and the reason for entering the rehabilitation center. However, volunteers and staffers limit their time spent with the animals as much as possible so they don’t become habituated. (The SPCA does not have an estimate on how many different species have entered its care in 2023, but the 2022 species count was 253 animals.)
“We never turn away a wild animal in need, a native wild animal in need,” Schmalz said. “We take them in. We just bring in more volunteers if we need more help.”
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
She noted the center helped a significant number of squirrels and birds impacted by this year’s heat and drought. The city is also on a migratory bird path, which leads to many additions to their center in the winter months. And the expansion of the metropolitan area into previously undeveloped areas means the opportunities for locals to interact with animals are greater.
“We’re constantly pushing into these wild areas where these animals are living,” Yahney said. “Those animals are staying there, and humans are coming into contact with them more. I think it will continue to rise.”