Shannon K.

When I retired a little over a year ago, I was looking for something that would allow me to volunteer in a realm that I never had the opportunity to in my past professional capacity. Like many, I was looking for "that thing" that would bring good to the world, fill my heart and utilize my life's experiences and skills in a pure and meaningful way. That is when I stumbled upon a Facebook post about a Bobcat who had been hit by a car and transported to the Saco River Wildlife Center for care. My heart was drawn to their website to both follow the outcome of the injured Bobcat and also to see exactly what the Center does and how I could get involved.

Growing up in Maine, raised on a traditional working farm and living a few miles down river from the center, I was amazed at what spectacular things were happening a mere 45 minutes from my current home in Biddeford, Maine to rescue, transport, treat, rehab, and release injured, ill and/or orphaned wildlife in Southern Maine. Lucky for me, they were looking for volunteers to help out and I knew I'd found what I had been searching for. I jumped in first volunteering with animal care and housekeeping at the center learning so much from the amazing volunteer staff, the primary rehabber and local vet. Then I broadened my scope to include being on the transport team of folks who volunteer their time, car and gas to transport animals from the finders who call in for help to our site or possibly another site better suited to the needs of the animal. This path led me to also join the Rescue team for those times when animals need rescue, capture and sometimes even locating them. To top off my desire to assist in any capacity I could, I recently passed the Maine State Rehabber Exam to become a Sub-Permittee of the Center allowing me to rehab animals who need one-on-one care in my home until which time they are ready to return to the Center environment. Which brings me to Baby Warm. Of the 1500 animals served in 2024 by Saco River Wildlife Center, about 800 of them were babies and we expect even more in 2025. Having an incubator as a sub-permittee allows me to provide one-on-one, round the clock care to some of our smallest and most vulnerable patients. In addition to the incubator being available to me, it will also serve to assist the center and/or another sub-permittee as we work as a unified team to reach the best possible outcome for every animal that comes thru our doors- to witness their healthy release back to the Maine Wild!

Unfortunately, the Bobcat did not survive. However, it brought to light the final thing that the center offers; a place for injured or ill animals unable to be rehabilitated to be euthanized pain free, warm and comforted. As a 20+ year Human Resource professional, I spent most of my professional life coaching people on finding their passion; helping staff with projects that make a difference in the lives of others; and assisting those around me to define and do what I like to call "what makes your heart sing!" That Bobcat helped me find mine and I hope to continue its' legacy by rehabbing as many creatures that come my way as possible. Funding of an incubator will be an amazing step in the journey to heal and release future Maine wildlife.