Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter (FPSAS) is thrilled to announce the opening of the Desert Wildlife Center in Indio, CA. The center will open in Fall, 2024 and will serve as a vital resource for the Coachella Valley and surrounding areas, providing much-needed rehabilitation services for injured and orphaned wildlife.
FPSAS has secured a lease agreement with the Valley Sanitary District for the facility previously occupied by the Coachella Valley Wild Bird Center, which closed in the summer of 2023. The center will initially focus on serving birds, with plans to expand its services to reptiles and mammals within the next two to four years.
“The opening of the Desert Wildlife Center marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation and rehabilitation,” says Tamara Hedges, Board Member of FPSAS. “With the increasing threats posed by human activity, including development and climate change, it’s more important than ever to provide a safe haven for our local wildlife.”
The Coachella Valley is home to a diverse array of wildlife species, many of which are facing challenges due to habitat loss and environmental degradation. Despite the growing need for wildlife rehabilitation services, there are currently no licensed centers in the Coachella Valley, and only three in all Riverside County, with none in Imperial County.
“By establishing the Desert Wildlife Center, we aim to fill a critical gap in wildlife rehabilitation services in our region,” says Hedges. “We envision the center not only as a place for healing and rehabilitation but also as a hub for education and advocacy, fostering a deeper appreciation for the importance of coexisting harmoniously with our wild neighbors.”
The DWC will offer humane education programs for community members of all ages, empowering individuals to become advocates for wildlife conservation and habitat preservation. Through collaborative efforts, FPSAS and the Desert Wildlife Center seek to create a sustainable future where humans and wildlife can thrive together.
As the opening of the Desert Wildlife Center draws near, FPSAS invites the community to support this important initiative. Donations to the Wildlife Center fund will help ensure that sick, injured, and orphaned birds receive the care they need to recover and return to their natural habitats.
For more information about the Desert Wildlife Center and how to contribute, please visit desertwildlifecenter.org.