In the heart of Silicon Valley, where tech giants and startups rule the roost, there’s a place where the wild things are. No, not a rowdy nightclub or a zany theme park, but a sanctuary for our furry, feathered, and sometimes scaly neighbors. Welcome to the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center, or WERC for short, in Morgan Hill, California.

A Thirty-Year Journey of Caring

For over three decades, WERC has been the go-to spot for animals down on their luck. Whether it’s a bird that flew into a window after one too many fermented berries or a squirrel that lost a game of chicken with a car, WERC is there to pick up the pieces – literally and figuratively.

Founded in the early 1990s, this non-profit organization has been patching up, feeding, and sometimes giving a good talk to countless critters. It’s like a spa retreat for wildlife, minus the cucumber eye patches and fancy robes.

More Than Just a Band-Aid Station

WERC isn’t just about fixing broken wings and mending bruised egos. It’s a full-service wildlife resort. Here’s what’s on the menu:

1. Rehab for the Down and Out: Got a possum with a headache? A skunk that’s lost its mojo? WERC’s got you covered. Their dedicated volunteers and staff work tirelessly to nurse sick, injured, and orphaned animals back to health.
2. School for Scaly Scholars: WERC doesn’t just heal; it teaches. Through educational programs, they’re spreading the gospel of wildlife conservation faster than a rabbit spreads… well, you know.
3. Coexistence Coaching: In a world where humans and wildlife often butt heads (sometimes literally), WERC is the peacekeeper. They teach people how to live alongside their wild neighbors without resorting to eviction notices or restraining orders.

The WERC-ing Class Heroes

Behind every successful animal recovery is a team of humans working their tails off. WERC’s staff and volunteers are a motley crew of animal lovers, ranging from retired schoolteachers to college students who prefer fur to frat parties.

These folks don’t just work 9 to 5. Wildlife emergencies don’t punch a clock or WERC’s dedicated team members. They’re on call faster than you can say, “There’s a raccoon in my chimney!”

A Day in the Life at WERC

Imagine a place where your morning coffee might be interrupted by an emergency call about a baby bird that fell from its nest or where your afternoon meeting could involve bottle-feeding a young bobcat. That’s WERC for you – never a dull moment.

On any given day, you might find:

• A volunteer giving a bath to a skunk (yes, you read that right)
• A vet performing surgery on a hawk with a broken wing
• An educator teaching a group of wide-eyed kids about the importance of not trying to make a pet out of that cute baby deer they found

It’s like a zoo, a hospital, and a school all rolled into one, with a dash of chaos for good measure.

The Challenges of Being Wild About Wildlife

Running a wildlife rehabilitation center isn’t all cute and cuddly. It comes with its fair share of challenges:

1. Funding Fumbles: Keeping the lights on (and the animals fed) isn’t cheap. WERC relies heavily on donations and grants to keep the wild times rolling.
2. Space Struggles: As the human population in Silicon Valley grows, so does the number of animal-human encounters. WERC often finds itself playing Tetris with cages and enclosures.
3. Regulatory Rigmarole: Dealing with wildlife means dealing with much red tape. WERC has to navigate a maze of regulations that would make even the most seasoned bureaucrat’s head spin.

What’s Next for WERC?

WERC isn’t content to rest on its laurels (or, in this case, its nest of twigs). They’ve got big plans for the future:

1. Expansion Dreams: There’s talk of building a new bobcat enclosure. Because who doesn’t want more space for big cats with attitude?
2. Educational Evolution: WERC always looks for new ways to spread the word about wildlife conservation. Virtual reality tours of animal habitats? Don’t rule it out.
3. Community Connections: The center is pushing to become an even bigger part of the Morgan Hill community. Wildlife block parties, anyone?

How You Can Join the Wild Side

Feeling inspired to unleash your inner Dr. Dolittle? Here’s how you can get involved with WERC:

1. Volunteer: If you have a soft spot for animals and are willing to get your hands dirty (sometimes literally), WERC would love to have you on board.
2. Donate: Money makes the world go round and keeps the wildlife world spinning. Every dollar helps, whether it’s buying food for a hungry owl or bandages for a bruised bobcat.
3. Educate Yourself: Attend one of WERC’s events or classes. You might just learn that the opossum you’ve been shooing away is nature’s little pest control expert.
4. Spread the Word: In the age of social media, being a wildlife warrior is as easy as sharing a post. Let your friends know about the important work WERC is doing.

So, don’t be alarmed the next time you’re in Morgan Hill and hear a chorus of squawks, chirps, and howls. It’s just another day at the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center, where the wild things are and where they get the help they need to stay wild.

Sources: werc-ca.org, Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Facebook Page
Header Image Source: werc-ca.org