Chintimini Wildlife Center Faces Possible Closure, Why It’s Important, How You Can Help

Chintimini Wildlife Center, or CWC, has been a cornerstone of wildlife rehabilitation and education in the Willamette Valley for over 36 years. They’ve saved almost 40,000 wildlife patients. And if you’ve attended local schools, you probably got close and personal with some of those patients during a field trip or two to the facility.

However, they’ve recently disclosed that they need financial help, and that they may even have to close.

Recently, they put out an email saying, “Due to rising costs and a sharp decline in funding, CWC will be forced to severely cut services or even close its doors without immediate and sustainable donations.”

Why this is important

Serving communities across the Willamette Valley, CWC provides critical care for injured and orphaned wildlife, like barn owls, bald eagles, and raccoons. In addition, Chintimini staff facilitate educational programs that inspire thousands of children and adults each year to protect Oregon’s wildlife species.

“After a busy summer of baby animal patients, we are looking at a significant budget shortfall as the cost of food, medical supplies, and diagnostic services have increased,” said Chuck Tourtillott, Executive Director.  “Our immediate goal is to raise over $40,000 during the month of October. We are in need of major sponsors and donations to carry this important mission forward.”

What’s at stake? Without the funding needed, Chintimini Wildlife Center will need to layoff vital and dedicated staff from an already small team. If that happens, the results could be devastating. There could be decreased hospital hours and capacity, with fewer counties being served. They may have to limit species accepted. Education programs may need to be reduced. And rehoming could also take a serious hit.

How can you help 

The nonprofit is calling on individuals, businesses, and community leaders to support Chintimini Wildlife Center to ensure vital services continue. Donations of any size will directly support wildlife rehabilitation, food and medical supplies, and ongoing education programs.

  • Donate TODAY:Contributions can be made securely at www.donorbox.org/cwc2025 or via check to Chintimini Wildlife Center 311 NW Lewisburg Ave., Corvallis OR 97330
  • Estate Planning: Leave a lasting legacy and consider including CWC as a beneficiary
  • Share the Message and Volunteer:Community members are encouraged to spread the word on social media and through local networks.

“Chintimini Wildlife Center serves all of us,” says Board Treasurer Sean Young, “and if it disappears so does a lifeline for Oregon’s injured and orphaned wildlife.”

About Chintimini Wildlife Center

In the next month, CWC will see its 40,000th wildlife patient since opening in 1989.

Founded in 1989, Chintimini Wildlife Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of Oregon’s native wildlife and to educating the public about the importance of coexisting with our wild neighbors. Each year, the center treats over 2,000 wildlife patients and reaches thousands of people through hands-on education programs. Learn more at chintiminiwildlife.org.

Do you have a story for The Advocate? Email editor@corvallisadvocate.com