Mission

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

Vision

Carolina Wildlife Care will continue to be a driving force for wildlife conservation and its natural habitat in South Carolina with the intended purposes:

• To treat sick, injured and orphaned wildlife with the goal of returning them in a healthy condition to their original habitat.
  
  
• To teach the importance of wildlife and conservation issues and create a better understanding of the increasing human wildlife interface and the challenges it places on wildlife.
  
  
• To teach wildlife rehabilitation to other rehabilitators and animal care professionals.
  
  
• To raise awareness on the importance of conserving tracts of wilderness for wildlife in urban areas and other areas under heavy development pressure.
  
  

The Organization
Carolina Wildlife Care is a registered non-profit organization as defined in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The center receives no state or federal funding, but operates on private financial support through donations, fundraising, and grant assistance.

History

In 1989, five individuals recognized a growing need in Columbia for wildlife rehabilitation 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.  But, with each passing year public awareness grew and so did the number of wildlife admitted to CWC.  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. 

Carolina Wildlife Care treats more than 3,000 patients annually and has admitted more than 40,000 animals since its inception.  CWC has evolved to serve the public and wildlife not only through rehabilitation, but to address the most challenging issues facing wildlife and its habitat today through public education.  Carolina Wildlife Care exists to give wildlife in South Carolina a second chance at living life as nature intended.