Hi folks,
Like me, I bet you're a bit overloaded with emails - I'm finding that every company I've ever given my information to is now informing me of their response to COVID-19. Though I find this reassuring, I admit that I haven't been able to read all of them... So, at the risk of adding to your pile of unread updates, I am going to do my best to share with you some relevant and helpful information regarding operations at Chintimini Wildlife Center.
We remain committed to protecting our (incredible!) team of humans, while continuing to provide for all animals in our care.
It's important that every single one of us works together to "flatten the curve," so I want to assure you that the leadership at Chintimini Wildlife Center is committed to doing our part. While most days, our main focus tends to be on the animals, we have always had an equal duty to protect our human community of staff, interns, volunteers, and visitors. At times like these, we also share in our community's responsibility to act in ways that will protect those most vulnerable. We take these responsibilities very seriously, so we've implemented some emergency protocols in response to COVID-19.
 Rest assured that our animal care staff will continue to care for all animals housed on-site (both patients and ambassador animals). Our administrative staff are working remotely as much as possible. We have increased sanitation protocols and re-structured our shifts to operate with as few people as possible and to allow for social distancing. We've cancelled our spring youth programs and suspended all tours and presentations. At this time, we remain open to admit injured and orphaned wildlife and we ask rescuers to please call immediately if they encounter a wild animal in need of assistance.
These are trying times indeed. In this rapidly evolving situation, our idea of what is "normal" seems to be shifting every day, if not every hour. As we practice social distancing, we find ourselves re-evaluating the ways in which we go about our daily lives. I continue to be amazed by the great lengths we're going to protect those most vulnerable in our human population. And I'm touched that we're also receiving questions and concerns about what kind of support we as an organization need right now.
It's true, the programmatic changes mentioned above will reduce our staff's capacity to care for animals and our financial ability to provide the necessary resources. But there is a lot you can do to help - and it doesn't have to involve your wallet (though we'll still gratefully accept donations!).
You can make a commitment to drive more mindfully, because both human and animal lives depend on it. You can spend good, quality indoor time with your cats - a change that will help keep your pets safe and could reduce our admissions by up to 16% (more than 350 animals last year!). As you find yourself with more time for yard work, you can take an extra minute to ensure you won't be disturbing the nests of birds or mammals in your backyard. And please, give us a call before trying to help a baby animal. There is a good chance that we can talk you through the steps to reunite it with its parents over the phone. None of these will cost extra money. In fact, all of these changes will actually save money (both yours and ours!) because they prevent animals from needing human care in the first place. The best part? These tips are always applicable, not just during a pandemic.
None of us will act perfectly all of the time. Accidents will still happen - but if we can change what we do most of the time... if we can shift our new "normal" just a little bit, I believe we can greatly reduce the negative impacts we as humans have on the wildlife in our community.
We are taking things one day at a time, and we remain firm in our commitment to protect wildlife every day, for as long as we are able. We hope that, with the help of the tips below, you will join us in this effort.
Best,
Sarah Spangler
Executive Director
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In light of announcements from Gov. Kate Brown's office, we have postponed our annual auction and fundraisier, Art is Wild. We don't have a new date set just yet, but we will update you when we know more - keep your eyes peeled!
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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.
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