The Second Chance Wildlife Rehabilitation is an organization that’s busy year-round and they cover a wide area within the state. Castle Country Radio invited Facility Director, Debbie Pappas to come in to talk about the organization.
“So we’re entrusted by the State of Utah and U.S. Fish and Wildlife to take care of all injured, orphaned and sick wildlife within the Utah boundaries,” said Pappas. “So Utah only has a total of eight wildlife rehabilitators and they all do different things except for three and the three that we all work with all the same wildlife are myself, DeLynn Erickson up in Ogden, and Carmen Smith down at Best Friends.” The local organization works with mammals plus all species of birds.
Second Chance Wildlife Rehabilitation covers a wide area as Pappas explains, “My permits just like all rehabilitators are for border to border all of Utah so I’m allowed to take wildlife from throughout that state but I cover the biggest geographical area which I usually cover about 16 – 17 counties,” said Pappas. This is why a few years ago a new facility was built and still is being added to as the number of patients grows. If you find an animal that seems to be ill or injured it is important to call someone immediately either Division of Wildlife Resources or Dispatch.
The organization is a non-profit, charitable organization and relies heavily on donations and volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering at Second Chance Wildlife Rehabilitation must be 18 years old or older. “It’s a hospital. We want to keep the patients safe and anytime they see people, hear people – that’s why we keep our interactions with them limited, it causes stress. They are already in a stressful situation, they are around us when they should be free but we’re trying to get them well to get them free,” said Pappas. Funds are needed to assist with housing, food, medical supplies, veterinarian expenses, transportation and minor administration costs.
To learn more about Second Chance Wildlife Rehabilitation visit their website at www.wildliferehabpric.wix.com/2ndchance or their Facebook page. If you would like to volunteer or make a donation call Debbie at 650-3441.