City Wildlife

Wildlife rehabilitation center:city Wildlife's rehabilitation center cared for more than 1,500 sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals in 2023. Patients included wild birds raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds small mammals, and native reptiles and amphibians. Many were species of greatest conservation need in the district of columbia. City Wildlife's goal is to release healthy animals back to the wild. The center, open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., is staffed by a full-time Wildlife veterinarian and four skilled rehabilitation technicians. See schedule o.protecting Wildlife: the principal role of City Wildlife's rehabilitation center is to provide assistance to sick, injured and orphaned native Wildlife. Most of our patients' injuries are caused by direct or indirect human activities. We work to heal the animals but also to connect with people in a way that advances understanding and compassion for Wildlife. With each intake and phone call, we share information about our Wildlife neighbors, build understanding, promote compassion and dispel concerns.protecting people: our Wildlife rehabilitation program serves many purposes, including being sentinels for detecting zoonotic disease in Wildlife as well as by providing citizens with a place to bring wild animals that they might otherwise try to care for at home, risking possible disease or injury to themselves or others.protecting the environment: in addition to its primary mission, City Wildlife reviews and comments on local actions proposed by governments and private developers that might have impacts on Wildlife. Our comments support the protection of the district's Wildlife as well as actions that conserve habitat.

Lights out d.c.lights out dc, an all-volunteer citizen science program, works with the managers of buildings in Washington, dc, to reduce bird/glass collisions. During bird migration seasons, volunteers collect dead and injured birds more than 5,700 since 2010 that have hit glass, document these collisions, and make recommendations to building owners on reducing nighttime lighting and installing bird-safe features. Injured birds are taken to our rehabilitation center. Dead birds are donated for research. City Wildlife supported efforts to pass a new district of columbia bill requiring bird-friendly windows and architectural design on most new and majorly renovated buildings. See schedule o.the bill was signed by the mayor in january 2023.

Duck watch:duck watch, an all-volunteer program, assists people with urban waterfowl. Volunteers monitor nests, tell people how to protect nests, and help mallard hens get their ducklings safely to water. When mallard families are trapped on green roofs or in courtyards, volunteers capture them and transport them to water. In 2023, duck watch volunteers helped more than 700 ducklings stay with their mothers.

Education programs:city Wildlife educates and supports the community in furtherance of our mission. In 2023, we received more than 4,000 calls and emails requesting advice with animals. We also held regular online seminars and maintained active educational social media accounts.