Project Wildlife received over 11,000 animals for rehabilitation during 2000. Ninety eight percent of our intake consisted of birds and mammals found in the wild in California. We receive a few domestic and exotic pets as well as reptiles and amphibians, which we attempt to place with other organizations.

As in previous years, mammals make up 20% of our total. Songbirds and game birds make up our largest group of birds, followed by waterfowl, sea and shore birds, and birds of prey. Our overall release rate is 54%, which we consider a great success considering the circumstances in which the animals are brought in to us. From the information on our treatment cards (and history is not always available –but see the HRI column) it shows that at least one in five of our wildlife patients have come to us because of human disturbance or human pets.

Some of the less common species brought to us in 2000 were a Western Great-tailed Grackle (now colonizing Southern California), a Blue Grosbeak (diminishing in numbers because of habitat loss) and 2 Laysan Albatrosses (slightly off course). Our numbers of Killdeer were lower than usual, apparently this ground nesting species once so common is being affected by habitat loss. Similarly the single Roadrunner brought to us in 2000 reflects the loss of open space left in the county for this species.

Birds of prey brought to Project Wildlife included a Peregrine falcon (unlisted in our count since it was transported to another organization) and a Golden Eagle. Merlins and Ospreys were brought in to the raptor team in larger numbers than usual, and many raptors brought to us because they were preying on the Least Tern sites were moved to suitable habitat north of Los Angeles after some weeks in captivity. Like all the other creatures brought to us, they also got a second chance!