Wildlife Center at Boyce continues to grow; 2,450 patients treated and released last year

As the non-profit Blue Ridge Wildlife Center (BRWC), located in Boyce, looks toward its annual upscale fundraising banquet at Long Branch historic house and farm at Millwood on September 9, it reflects on record growth at the center these past 12 months.

First, there was a staff increase to cope with the extra work, and the permanent veterinarian, Dr. Jennifer Riley, was afforded more help as she cared for 3,406 wildlife patients, 2,450 of which were treated, rehabilitated, and released back into the wild. Apart from hiring a veterinary associate for the Riley-led practice, the center, due to increased volume of animals and visitors, hired more front office staff and directors of development and education. Some 20 interns bolster the staff annually.

Above and below, veterinary interns at work at the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center. – File Photos Courtesy BRWC

In addition to veterinary medicine and rehab services, the center held 81 educational programs for some 4,000 participants and fielded 23,000 hotline calls regarding wild animals in distress.

In a letter to members, top BRWC officials, Russell B. McKelway, chair; Heather Shank-Givens, vice chair; and Annie Bradfield, executive director, described what they called “another area of primary importance to the overall health of wildlife, humans, and our ecosystems” as research. The center is participating in several ongoing research studies involving avian flu, rabies, barred owl genetics, zoonotic parasites, wildlife trafficking, and emerging zoonotic diseases. Partner organizations include Tufts University, Virginia Department of Wildlife Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wisconsin and Richmond Universities, and Virginia Tech.

Boosting its upcoming fundraising dinner of Saturday, September 9, the governing group said: “You will be supporting our purchase of medical supplies, veterinary medicine, food, shelter, and rehabilitation services for animals in need, and expanding our educational programs to reach more people in our community and across the country.”

Blue Ridge Wildlife Center staff at one of the public educational events hosted in recent years. Below, two rehabilitated vultures are ready to spread their wings, hopefully once again in the wild.

BRWC receives no public financial support, relying entirely on private donations. Its mission is “to protect and conserve native wildlife by integrating veterinary medicine, rehabilitation, public education, professional training and research.”

For dinner information, contact Trish Carter at trish@blueridgewildlifectr.org.