Celebrating 30 years at Chintimini Wildlife Center

Cheers...

to
Thirty Years!

As many of you know, Chintimini Wildlife Center was born out of humble beginnings. The story, so I'm told, starts with a couple of orphaned Barn Owls in need of care who found their way to Jeff Picton - a man just wild enough to try to help.

He quickly learned that our town of Corvallis didn't have a wildlife rehabilitation center, but he figured he could learn. As time went on, the operation grew - and what was once a demanding hobby run out of a rented barn is now a thriving 10-acre wildlife rehabilitation and education facility. We employ 10 staff members and benefit from over 120 volunteers donating around 20,000 hours of their time each year. Our wildlife hospital will treat a record-breaking 2,000+ injured and orphaned wild animals this year. Our education program houses 15 Avian Ambassadors representing over a dozen native species. And through our educational tours and presentations we are able to connect thousands of eager learners of all ages with the wonders of wildlife.

All of this, built from one person willing to say, "Yes."

But our story is about more than one person, isn't it? We have a few photo albums in the office that I like to look through from time to time. They contain records of nearly every news article or advice column that featured us over the years. Looking back at these records, one thing is clear: the strength of Chintimini Wildlife Center lies in this amazing community we've managed to build. Indeed, we have so many people to thank.

Thank you for being part of our community. Thank you for listening in earnest to the stories we share. And, most importantly, thank you for saying, "Yes," when the wildlife we serve need our help. Your partnership is invaluable, and our shared results are proof of what an enormous impact we can have when we stand together to take action on the things we care about.

You are an important piece of what makes this place great and have contributed to 30 years of sustainable growth. Together, we've touched tens of thousands of lives - both human and animal - and we can't wait to see what the next 30 years might bring.

In gratitude,

Sarah Spangler
Executive Director
Chintimini Wildlife Center

Wildlife Rehabilitation
Recent Patients

Every year we experience an increase in the number of patients we admit to our Center. There are multiple reasons for this, and we can expect to see this same pattern in the future. As of October 1, we have admitted 2,044 wild animals in-need to our wildlife hospital - that's 300 more patients than this time last year!

Sometimes the teeny tiniest of patients are brought to our rehabilitation center. This young Deer mouse was found orphaned and requires careful feedings every two hours. Paintbrush feedings call for a steady, patient hand!

We often receive calls after inclement weather about young animals who have fallen from their nesting sites. This little guy was found cold and wet, but after spending some time warming up at our Center he began to perk up. After attempts were made to re-unite him with his mom, it became apparent that he would be needing assistance from our rehabilitators.

We are housing three Great Horned Owls in our largest flight enclosure. Each one came to us separately but they all seem to cohabitate well in their pre-release area.

Cool fact: one of the three owls came to us as a juvenile and the other two have stood in as foster parents!

This young Dusky-footed woodrat was caught by a dog and brought to us right away for observation.

She has no obvious injuries and appears to be doing quite well, though we will continue to monitor her progress closely.

A Warm Welcome to...
Our New Team Members

Erika Seirup
Operations & Outreach Coordinator

Erika has been with Chintimini for the past four years, spending most of her time working in the wildlife hospital as Animal Care Staff. She eventually took on other responsibilities, such as coordinating the internship programs, scheduling educational events, assisting with grant writing, and managing our social media accounts.

While she misses working directly with the wildlife patients, she is excited and passionate about working to promote our various programs, with the goal of continuing to build and improve both the day-to-day and big picture missions that CWC was founded on. Erika is thrilled to continue working alongside a fantastic team of volunteers, interns, and staff.

Erika holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, loves coffee & wine, and is a mother of three children (or four, if you include the big & goofy dog).

Ashlee Sabiers
Animal Care Assistant

Ashlee began her journey with us as a volunteer and joined our internship team shortly after. She completed a yearlong internship position as a Wildlife Care Intern and was recently offered a staff position as an Animal Care Assistant. She loves spending time in the clinic and having the chance to work up close with Oregon's vast and varied wildlife. Her natural leadership skills, kind personality, and dedication to excellence make her a wonderful addition to our rehabilitation team.

Ashlee is currently working toward a bachelor's degree in Biology and has plans to pursue her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at OSU in the coming years.

When Ashlee isn't working at CWC or doing homework, she enjoys spending her time hiking, traveling, cooking, and being with friends and family.

Click here to read more about our staff.

Volunteer Spotlight
Jeanie Stuntzner

Jeannie is a co-shift leader on Monday evenings and has been volunteering in our clinic for the past two years. She is hard working and brings a lot of positivity to her shift. She enjoys learning about mammal rehabilitation and loves getting to know the people of Chintimini. We are so grateful to have her on the team as a fantastic shift leader!

Please join us in thanking Jeanie for her outstanding commitment to serving our community's wildlife.

Click here to learn more about Jeanie or to read about previous Volunteer Spotlights!

Want to help support our work?
Three Ways to Give this Fall

Thank you for
Community Support

We'd like to thank Matthew Kinkade for designing, building, and delivering these beautiful benches to our Center! Matthew recently completed his Eagle Scout Service Project and we are happy to be able to place the three benches throughout our outdoor facilities for visitors to enjoy.

Matthew spent months collecting cans and bottles to save up money for this project. He also worked collectively with The Home Depot to receive tips on supplies and the overall design. We'd like to thank them for donating some of the materials he needed as well.

Thank you, Matthew!

Our supporters are a vital part of our community. We are lucky to work with some of the most compassionate people around who ensure that the animals in our care are safe and healthy. We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to all of the volunteers, donors and other supporters who make our work possible. Thank you.

You can protect wildlife, too. Donate Today!

Cheers...

to Thirty Years!

Wildlife Rehabilitation Recent Patients

A Warm Welcome to... Our New Team Members

Erika Seirup Operations & Outreach Coordinator

Ashlee Sabiers Animal Care Assistant

Want to help support our work? Three Ways to Give this Fall

Thank you for Community Support