Since 1972, Project Wildlife’s dedicated staff and volunteers have given injured, orphaned, and sick wild animals a second chance at life. This commitment to helping wild animals has grown tremendously and Project Wildlife is now one of the largest wildlife rehabilitation organizations in the country.

Who We Are

Our medical staff and volunteers operate under one word: Compassion. It is through this unwavering compassion that we are able to help nearly 10,000 birds and mammals each year (more than 320 species to-date!) in addition to thousands of other animals we are able to assist through community outreach, partnerships and telephone triage.

San Diego County is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the United States with the greatest number of endangered species. People from all over the county bring wildlife patients to Project Wildlife for care and we are proud to be a resource that our neighbors can depend on in order to coexist peacefully with wild animals.

What Is Wildlife Rehabilitation?

Wildlife rehabilitation is the treatment and care of injured, orphaned or sick wild animals in effort to release them back into the wild.

Project Wildlife is permitted to rehabilitate wildlife by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. We operate under a strict guide of protocols, research and veterinary consultation in order to make the best decision for a positive outcome with each individual animal in our care.

Rehabilitating wildlife without the appropriate permits can cause potentially fatal damage to the animal and is punishable by fines up to $25,000 if any wild animal is kept for more than 48 hours. If you find a wild animal in need of care, please do not attempt to provide care yourself. Every moment is critical, so please bring the animal to a permitted wildlife rehabilitation center as soon as possible.

Project Wildlife Stories

Coexisting with Wildlife: Deer

We recommend that you do not attempt to rescue an injured or sick deer yourself.
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Coexisting with Wildlife: Skunks

Skunks are a rabies vector species, and are illegal to possess without a special permit in California and most states.
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Coexisting with Wildlife: Coyotes and Large Predators

Large predators include coyotes, mountain lions, and bobcats.
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Coexisting with Wildlife: Sea & Shore Birds

Always use gloves or a thick towel or blanket when attempting to capture or handle an injured or sick water bird.
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Coexisting with Wildlife: Raptors

Any raptor that remains on the ground is obviously debilitated in some way, but never forget that even a grounded raptor is a dangerous animal.
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Coexisting with Wildlife: Rodents

Domestic breeds of rodents can make great pets but wild rodents should never be considered as pets.
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