SAHBA Home Hints
July 1, 2007
TWC – SAHBA partner to rescue wild animals
For the past several years, the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association (SAHBA) and the Tucson Wildlife Center (TWC) have created a strong environmental partnership to support the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of wildlife.
“We have worked together quite well in identifying and solving problems, and advising each other on issues,” said Lisa Bates, TWC Executive Director. “We promote a peaceful co-existence between wildlife and the public.”
The Center, a non-profit organization, handles more than 5,000 wildlife-related calls each year for injured, ill, orphaned, or displaced animals. Over the last five years, SAHBA and its members quietly have provided financial and material support to TWC.
In 2006 alone, more than 360 injured animals were admitted.
“When we get a call, we go to the home to do an assessment. Sometimes we can capture the animal that night or it can take a few days,” Bates said.
Rescues are handled 24/7 with two specially equipped ambulances for transporting animals. Typically, the animals are brought to the Center for a couple of weeks. They are then returned to their original territory if suitable. The main reasons animals are admitted to TWC are car accidents and rat poisoning.
The Center is closed to the public because animals must remain in a wild state with limited human contact. The Center's experienced staff of five volunteer vets diagnose and treat a variety of wildlife injuries and illnesses. Another 70 volunteers, including retirees and UA students, donate a half day a week.
Research into all aspects of rehabilitation is an ongoing effort. TWC always keeps up with the latest medical information and animal release techniques. N o experiments or non-essential tests are preformed on the animals.
“With the Center growing and expanding, it is becoming recognized as a premier organization in Southern Arizona,” said Bates.
Future plans include the first wildlife hospital in Southern Arizona, a wildlife support center, more animal enclosures, another large flight cage, and an education center to teach schoolchildren and adults about wildlife habits, behavior, habitats and survival instincts.
If you see an injured, ill, orphaned or displaced wild animal in your yard, neighborhood, or job site, call TWC at 290-WILD (9453).
Read more about the SAHBA-TWC partnership at sahba.org under Builder Magazine, July edition.
SAHBA represents about 750 member businesses and 40,000 jobs serving the residential construction industry in Pima and Cochise counties.
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