People looking out their windows at the pouring rain recently in Cape Neddick, Maine, spotted something unusual: miniature penguin-like creatures wandering around their property.
Out of curiosity and concern, some of them called the Cape Neddick Wildlife Center in York. It turns out these strange birds are pigeons, a pelagic species that breeds in the Arctic, far from land and miles offshore. High winds that stormy Monday forced the pigeons to move inland.
Kristen Lamb, the center’s executive director, said in an interview after the storm that they were adorable. They live offshore, mostly in the ocean, and never come ashore. People notice them in their yards or parking lots and they know something isn’t right.
Lamb said the center took in 15 baby pigeons that day.
This is a day in the life of the Wildlife Center, which in December began the third phase of a major expansion at 375 Mountain Road.
The Wildlife Center purchased 8.42 acres in 2016 at the foot of Agameticus Mountain, adjacent to 16,000 acres of protected areas and trails.
Lamb said the final phase, expected to be completed by summer 2025, will include the construction of dozens of state-of-the-art outdoor wildlife fences to replace existing old fences on the York Water District site.
The first phase began in 2018, with staff constructing a new, larger main building to operate from, housing interns, and setting up a room where guests can visit turtles, snakes and other creatures the organization rescues.
The second phase aims to build a new village for the center’s wildlife ambassadors, hawks, owls, falcons, porcupines and other injured animals that have become permanent residents of the site.
Even though the first two phases have just been completed, the center is now far removed from its origins. In 1986, the center operated out of water district sheds and donated ranch houses. Lamb said the organization has been there for 37 years. Then, three years ago, the big move began.
Lamb said the center’s “Restore Our Nature” campaign aims to raise $650,000 to realize its comprehensive, three-phase vision. Thanks to donors, the organization has raised nearly $185,000, enough to complete everything the project has done so far.
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Why is the Wildlife Center pushing for expansion?
Lamb said the 2020 move to its current larger operations came at the perfect time. The demand and demand for services far exceeds what the organization can do at its original site. The organization has reached a point where it must decide to expand or begin a partial suspension of operations. The board chose expansion.
Lamb said the center is definitely facing a turning point. We knew we needed to expand massively.
Lamb said the expansion is well-timed for another reason: A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, highly pathogenic avian influenza will emerge, and the wildlife center will be unable to help the animals. It treats 1,200 birds and 1,000 species of mammals, reptiles and amphibians annually.
In a recent press release, Mari O’Neil, chair of the organization’s board of directors, expressed her gratitude to the donors who have brought the expansion project to its current level.
“We are extremely grateful to all of the wonderful donors who have helped us get to where we are today,” O’Neill said. As we look forward to the endless possibilities within our centers and communities, we aim to expand our reach and inspire people of all ages to recognize the importance of nature and wildlife.
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What does the final phase of expansion include?
As well as building the new fence, phase three of the scheme involves the organization fully restoring its previous location to its natural habitat.
Current fences, and new and improved fences as they are built, are the last stop for injured or orphaned wildlife before they are returned to the wild. The enclosures are built to mimic the animals’ natural habitat during the final stages of their rehabilitation.
Just as humans need to rebuild muscles, awaken their digestive systems, or recover from broken bones, head or eye trauma, or other medical problems in a safe environment, wild animals need the same things, Lamb said.
Most of the animals are brought to the center by residents and visitors after accidents or after it is determined they are not where they are supposed to be and need care, Lamb said. One year, film actor Christian Slater even brought injured creatures to the center when he visited the state.
These animals are more closely related to human well-being than people realize, Lamb said. She added that this association is related to major changes and challenges such as extreme weather, sudden illness and land development.
While we experience these challenges, the wildlife that works alongside us balances insect populations, brings us great joy and wonder, grows our trees, and prevents disease, Lamb said. Wildlife’s connection to our own well-being is often invisible, overlooked or taken for granted, yet they are there every day, enhancing our physical, mental and emotional well-being.
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The wildlife center has cared for more than 78,000 animals
Since opening in 1986, the Wildlife Center has housed more than 78,000 creatures from 190 different species.
Growth in recent years has allowed the organization to achieve many goals, including expanding diagnostic equipment to enhance animal care and adding classrooms, meeting spaces and auditoriums. They also welcome students on field trips and offer hands-on exhibits.
Financially, the center has changed a lot in recent years. For example, in 2014, the organization’s entire operating budget was approximately $350,000. Now, with an annual budget of $800,000, it raises $4 million annually and manages $2 million in mortgages.
“We are proud to have overcome historical shortcomings in the fundraising and administrative aspects of our operations,” Lambert said. Despite facing political turmoil, trade wars, a global pandemic, and a field that only receives 1% of charitable donations annually, we have been able to expand our operations and remain open every day while completing a $6.5 million new facility.
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