A Visit to Wildcare in San Rafael

Now that summer is almost over, I finally got a chance to take my kids to Wildcare located in downtown San Rafael. My son had been wanting go, because the Wildcare Nature Van showed up for a presentation at his preschool a few months ago. This unique place, located adjacent to Albert Park in San Rafael, is a small urban wildlife rehabilitation center for thousands of ill, injured, or orphaned wild animals from around the Bay Area. They also undertake wildlife and nature education and operate a 24-hour Living with Wildlife Hotline.

Their courtyard and museum are open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The courtyard features Wildcare’s Wildlife Ambassadors: animals who were unable to be released into the wild, and are now permanent residents. There are daily feedings at 12:30 and 4:30 pm of the pond birds, including pelicans and cormorants, in the courtyard, and a raptor presentation on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 3–5 pm.

The small museum features some interactive activities for children, as well as a collection of stuffed (as in taxidermy) animals, such as the grizzly bear that the children found particularly impressive. The museum is free and donations are encouraged. They also offer some summer camps and other activities for kids. For more information, directions, and a complete schedule, visit them online at www.marinwildcare.com. If you have an injured or orphaned animal to report, call them at 415-456-SAVE (7283).