A New Wildlife Clinic for Injured Animals in Atlanta

After years of planning, the wildlife staff, volunteers, and many of Chattahoochee Nature Center's permanent animal residents have moved to a new location to make room for CNC's new Discovery Center. The previous clinic was constructed in 1989 and, at only 700 square feet, was no longer adequate to care for nearly 100 permanent wildlife residents and the more than 500 injured raptors, reptiles and amphibians that are brought to the center annually.

The new Wildlife Clinic is located at the entry to the Chattahoochee Nature Center, just off the parking lot and away from the hustle and bustle of CNC's central area. This location is much more conductive to treatment and recuperation. Also, at 2,200 square feet, it is complete with diagnostic, quarantine, live food and storage rooms, and much-needed office space for three staff members and 15+ volunteers. Masonry walls, sealed concrete floors, stainless steel fixtures and non-porous countertops are much-needed improvements. These surfaces are all easy to clean and disinfect, and will ensure that the animals under CNC's care will be better protected from bacteria, viruses and fungi, all constant concerns when treating incapacitated animals. The nature center hopes to purchase new medical equipment, as well as an X-ray machine.

Additionally, there is a new aviary and flight complex to house glove-trained birds, as well as for raptors in their last stages of rehabilitation. The previous cages were always a challenge to keep in use, as they were positioned directly under a stand of trees. Falling pine boughs were a constant threat during high winds and storms. The new mews, as they are known in the "bird world," meet all US Fish and Wildlife requirements, and will allow the birds more room to fly, better ventilation and new sights for enrichment.

The Chattahoochee Nature Center receives no funding from local, state or federal agencies to support the rehabilitation efforts conducted in the Wildlife Department. It is only through the support of members, visitors and the community that the center can continue caring for the injured animals.

The Chattahoochee Nature Center always welcomes and appreciates contributions to their mission and work with animal rehabilitation. You can also adopt an animal to support rehabilitation efforts.

Source: Kingfisher, the Chattahoochee Nature Center's Dec. '07-Feb. '08 newsletter

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