NOVEMBER 24, 2010

Christmas enrichment program helps maintain wildlife living in local conservation center

Animal lovers will have unique opportunity to support efforts

SCOTTSDALE – The wildlife residents of Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center (SWCC) have holiday wish lists too. SWCC will open its doors on Saturday, Dec. 4, to the animal lovers of Arizona as part of their annual Christmas enrichment program. SWCC will provide participating guests materials to make enrichment activities, such as a rope tied to a barrel or a log with snacks inside, for the wildlife residents. In addition, guests will have the opportunity to see the animals interact with their special delivery. These gifts go a long way for the permanent residents that are housed at the wildlife sanctuary. It helps break up the day to day enclosure environments they live in, by giving them something new to encounter – similar to if they were roaming in the wild and came upon something that piqued their curiosity.

The SWCC has rehabilitated thousands of sick, injured, orphaned, displaced, and abandoned wild animals. An incredible 70 percent of the animals that come through their doors have been successfully released back into the wild. Some animals cannot be released back into the wild, due to permanent disability or because they were kept as pets.

“People would be amazed at the number of wild animals that need rehabilitation because someone thinks owning a wild animal will be fun or exotic,” comments Linda Searles, Executive Director of SWCC. “When it isn’t possible to release the animals back to the wild, our wildlife sanctuary provides a peaceful environment where they can live out their lives.” The facility is also a respected holding facility for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery Program, which is reintroducing this endangered species to its native range.

The event will be taking place from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Conservation Center located at 27026 N. 156th St., Scottsdale. Prepaid reservations are required and may be made online at www.southwest wildlife.org or by calling the Education Department at 480-471-3621. Admission is $20 per child 12 and under and $30 per adult. SWCC has no paid administrative staff; 100 percent of the event proceeds will be put towards the medical care, housing, feeding, and daily upkeep of wildlife at the facility.

For more information please visit www.southwestwildlife.org or call 480-471-3621.