Mission

Carolina Wildlife Center (CWC) is dedicated to establishing harmony between humans and wildlife while instilling an appreciation for nature.

Vision

For more than 20 years, Carolina Wildlife Care has been a driving force for wildlife conservation in South Carolina.  Our intended purposes include

• Treating sick, injured and orphaned wildlife with the goal of returning healthy animals back into their natural habitat.
• Teaching the importance of wildlife conservation and creating a better understanding of the increasing human wildlife interface and the challenges it places on wildlife.
• Providing support and training to wildlife rehabilitators and other animal care professionals to better assist the needs of wildlife.
• Promoting awareness on the importance of conserving tracts of wilderness for wildlife in urban areas and areas under heavy development pressure.

History

In 1989, five individuals recognized a growing need for wildlife rehabilitation in Columbia and founded Carolina Wildlife Care in a one-room garage.  During the first year, CWC received less than 100 patients, the first being a fledgling blue jay.  In 1998, through private donations and community help, Carolina Wildlife Care constructed its current wildlife center on 1-¼ acres bordering 300-acre Saluda Shoals Park on Bush River Road in Columbia, SC. 

The Organization

Carolina Wildlife Care treats approximately 3,000 patients and responds to 15,000 hotline calls concerning wildlife each year.  During the last two decades, CWC’s wildlife center has admitted over 45,000 animals representing more than 200 species of wildlife.

Carolina Wildlife Care is a registered non-profit organization as defined in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The wildlife center does not receive state or federal funding, but operates on private financial support through donations, fundraising, and grant assistance. CWC has a small, animal care staff and maintains a team of over 100 volunteers and interns, contributing thousands of service hours annually.

Addressing the needs of the community and its wildlife through the Center's rehabilitation and environmental education outreach programs, Carolina Wildlife Care brings hope of another tomorrow and offers wildlife a second chance to live life as nature intended.