Elizabeth's Wildlife Center hosted its annual open house event on Saturday and Sunday at their facility on Verdon Way.
The center was established in 1986, and became a non-profit organization in 1999. Elizabeth Melnick, founder and primary caregiver of the Center, is a qualified registered nurse and wildlife rehabilitator. What first began as a rescue center from her home, expanded into Elizabeth’s backyard with construction of aviaries and small housing facilities.
Today, the center is now a fully functioning, independent facility, capable of handling hundreds of injured/orphaned wild birds and animals. The center has four buildings that serve as care-giving facilities.On site are pre-release buildings, and a waterfowl pond for rehabilitation purposes.Each year the center admits over 1000 birds and animals and approximately 50% are fully rehabilitated and released. Each animal is assessed, given necessary treatment, rehabilitated, and if fully recovered, released to their natural environment
The two-day event allows patrons a chance to see what the center is all about, and participate in face painting, games and snacks.