Carolina Wildlife Care Reaches Milestone to Set New Wildlife Center Record;
50,000 Wild Patients Have Entered Center’s Doors since 1989

COLUMBIA, S.C. (November 30, 2010) - Carolina Wildlife Care, Inc., the Midlands’ only wildlife center specializing in wildlife rehabilitation and environmental education, announces that it has reached the 50,000th wildlife patient of its history- a ring-billed gull that was struck by a vehicle near Harbison in Columbia. The gull suffered injuries to its ribs and bruising to its chest.

"Our 50,000th patient represents an important milestone as it is proof-positive that our wild neighbors face countless challenges living among us and affirms the tremendous public service that an organization like Carolina Wildlife Care provides," said Joanna Weitzel, Executive Director of Carolina Wildlife Care.

Weitzel says that as temperatures begin to drop, several species of gulls make their way inland to winter. These coastal migrants, sometimes nicknamed “seagulls”, move inland frequenting lakes, ponds, parking lots and other populated areas often putting them in harm’s way.

Why parking lots? Little scientific information exists on wintering gulls and their seasonal movements. Weitzel speculates that gulls might confuse the parking lot pavement as a water source, but also admits the ease of scavenging for food in areas with so many shoppers is attractive.

Weitzel reminds the public, that as tempting as it might be, to avoid offering handouts to gulls. “It’s best for the birds that we don’t feed them. Feeding gulls and other wildlife creates an unhealthy, perhaps fatal dependence on people. The animals often end up on the losing end.”

Center officials are cautiously optimistic that after a few weeks of healing, that Patient #50,000 will be ready for release around New Year’s.