Wildlife Hospital —Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network

Welcome to the Wendy McCaw Wildlife Hospital at the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network!

A wildlife hospital has been a dream of Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network since its inception in 1988. For over 30 years, SBWCN has been saving wild animals from all over the Santa Barbara and Ventura areas – even with limited resources and cramped facilities.

After many years of planning and one solid year of construction, the doors to the hospital opened in spring of 2022. With dedicated surgery and x-ray rooms, facilities to wash oiled animals, nurseries for baby birds and mammals, and 5,400 square feet of space, the Wendy McCaw Wildlife Hospital provides a massive upgrade to SBWCN’s important rehabilitation efforts.

SUPPORT HOSPITAL OPERATIONS

THE WILDLIFE HOSPITAL IS HOME TO:

CARIÑO VETERINARY PROGRAM

An advanced veterinary program that provides expert life-saving treatment, procedures, and training for over 200 species each year.
OILED WILDLIFE CARE NETWORK OILED BIRD RESPONSE ROOM

A specialized room to meet the increasing needs of oiled animals impacted by natural seeps and to assist in the event of a spill.
Barbara & James Ward SONGBIRD NURSERY

Thermoregulated and quiet nurseries for baby birds provides them a safe space to grow up and thrive.
The Ridley- Tree ANIMAL KITCHEN

A dedicated animal kitchen, equipped with plenty of fridge, freezer, and counter space, to nourish thousands of animals each year.
The Budgor Family MAMMAL NURSERY

A quiet and dedicated space for the most fragile baby mammals who need around-the-clock feedings and specialized care.
The Freiss Family VETERINARY INTERSHIP

Year-long internships are offered to licensed veterinarians to receive training from SBWCN’s staff veterinarian.
The Manitou Fund DUCKLING POOLS

The hundreds of ducklings that come to SBWCN each year require fresh water enclosures that provide heat and a low stress environment.
The Patricia & Paul Bragg Foundation STAFF AND VOLUNTEER COMMONS

A multi-purpose room that allows for meals, breaks, trainings, and meetings for dozens of staff and hundreds of volunteers.
The Connie & John Pearcy RAPTOR AVIARY

Owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles will build their flight muscles before release in a spacious aviary specifically designed for raptors.
The Manitou Fund CORVID AVIARY

A larger aviary space outfitted with specialized perching, vegetation, and enrichment for intelligent species like crows, ravens, and jays.
The Dwight & Kim Lowell MAMMAL COMPLEX

A large, outdoor enclosure specifically designed to house larger mammals gives flexibility, space, and enrichment for a variety of species.
The Coastal Resource Enhancement Fund SHOREBIRD POOLS

Secluded pools provide egrets, herons, and geese constant access to fresh water, heat, and a quiet space to recover.
The Manitou Fund GREEN GARDEN PLAZA

A luscious native garden filled with drought-tolerant plants that provide food for both local pollinators and animals in care.