REGION — When it comes to caring for sick and injured wildlife, Project Wildlife is just about the only game in town in San Diego County.
Project Wildlife serves more than 8,000 birds and small mammals a year. Sick animals are hand fed, hydrated and given needed medical attention until they can be returned to the wild. This can take from three months to a year.
“We’re a nonprofit with the mission to provide services to the wildlife community,” Beth Ugoretz, Project Wildlife executive director, said. “We don’t have a contract and don’t get supported by the government. We do it because it’s our mission.”
The nonprofit has been caring for wild birds and small mammals since 1972, and operates on an approximately $1.2 million annual budget.
To continue its efforts, its board of directors is evaluating the operational integration and budgetary impacts of a merger with the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, which serves domestic animals in San Diego, Oceanside and Escondido on a $23 million yearly budget.
The two nonprofits already have an established relationship, and mutual focus of improving the welfare of all animals.
“We’ve always respected their leadership role and expertise,” Gary Weitzman, president of San Diego Humane Society, said.
“We’ve always considered our partnership with Project Wildlife vital to providing care to all animals in need.”
San Diego Humane Society responds to calls to pick up injured wildlife and brings the animals to Project Wildlife, which leases a small site for its wildlife triage from the San Diego Humane Society.
The triage consists of two trailers and a covered patio on a lot adjacent to the San Diego Humane Society location on Sherman Street in San Diego.
Animals that were receiving care during a visit to the triage on Sept. 18 included dozens of wild birds, a mourning dove chick and a turkey vulture.
Raccoons, possums and bats are also seen at the triage.
Spring is the busiest time of year for services, when baby animals are often found abandoned and in need of care.
Ugoretz said the merger would help lower administration overhead, and that savings would allow facility improvements.
The merger is now under consideration by both nonprofit boards. If approved, Project Wildlife would become a program within the San Diego Humane Society. Project Wildlife supporters would still be able to contribute directly to its operations.
A decision is expected to be reached in December.
