Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network exceeds 3,000 wildlife patients this year

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - There’s no place like Los Carneros Lake in Goleta.

At least for a group of ducklings that were just released there by the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network.

But for a while, home for the flock was at the wildlife center where they were cared for as rescue patients.

The 17 mallards are among thousands of wildlife patients being treated at the wildlife center this year.

"We are starting to do some releases because a lot of those babies are ready to be released into their wild homes," said business and development manager Caitlin Swedroe of the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network.

During baby season, the wildlife center receives hundreds of ducks.

In the first 8 months of this year, they've treated 225 ducks.

In a matter of weeks, the ducklings are strong enough to survive on their own in the wild.

“I’m excited about every release. but this is a big release so I’m so happy we get to do this it’s a sign of the work we do," said communications manager Rachel Mattovich of the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network.

In light of this major release, the wildlife center hopes the community will continue doing their part to help save wildlife.

“The increase in patients is really just a sign that people are becoming aware that we exist," said Swedroe.

So far this year, the wildlife center has treated more than 3,000 patients.

It is a 20 percent increase over last year.

"We can continue connecting people to their wild neighbors and just really connection with the community," said Mattovich.

The wildlife center plans to continue its mission to improve the ecosystem one feathered creature at a time.So far the wildlife center has cared for over 3,096 wildlife patients in 2024.

Currently, the center confirmed 254 patients are in care today.

The center has cared for 164 different wildlife species in 2024.

As a nonprofit organization, Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network relies on the support of donors and volunteers to help them continue their mission of caring for thousands of wild animals every year.

They hope the public can help the center keep up with this increase and keep this vital service going for our community and ecosystem.

The wildlife center is offering the community a chance to support its work on September 7th from 5-9pm at the Rockwood Club for Wild Night Out.

It's a celebration to benefit the work of Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network to rescue local wildlife in our region.

This year's theme is "Glamping in the Woods."

For more information, visit: https://www.sbwcn.org/wildnightout2024.