Our Mission
The Alabama Wildlife Center is Alabama’s oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation facility, caring annually for almost 2,000 wild bird patients from more than 100 species. AWC is a nonprofit organization with a dual mission:
- to provide medical and rehabilitative care for Alabama’s injured and orphaned native birds in order to permit their return to the wild
- to educate people in order to heighten awareness and appreciation of Alabama’s native wildlife
Our Primary Services
Native wild bird rehabilitation clinic
Wildlife help line
Education programs
Our History
Founded in 1977 as a small, home-based, all-volunteer organization, the Alabama Wildlife Center has grown to be Alabama’s largest wildlife rehabilitation center and a leader in the rehabilitation of wild birds. Some of the methods developed here are now used in rehab facilities all over the world. Since AWC’s inception, well over 50,000 native Alabama wild animals have been helped because of the center’s efforts. The organization has been in continuous service 365 days a year for over 40 years.
Our hallmarks are rehabilitation excellence and innovation in reuniting baby birds with their families. We also engage people of all ages in learning about birds and protecting Alabama’s native wildlife.
AWC’s Wildlife Help Line provides free advice and information on how to deal with all kinds of wildlife problems and emergencies. It has been in continuous operation 365 days a year since 1981 and receives thousands of calls each year. More than 100,000 Alabamians have been helped over the years!
The center has five full-time permanent employees who care for the animals, provide educational programming, and manage the business affairs of the organization. In addition, AWC relies heavily on its volunteer staff of more than 200 generous, dedicated people to carry out its various animal rescue, rehabilitation, and public education services.
The Alabama Wildlife Center is a 501(c)(3), 509(a)(1) nonprofit organization and receives no public funds. All current cash income is derived from membership dues, individual donations, local business donations, and corporate and foundation grants. For each dollar contributed, AWC receives approximately two dollars in donated goods and services from individuals, businesses, and the State of Alabama.
Our vibrant community includes our volunteers from all walks of life and more than 1,400 bird enthusiasts of all ages who find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram, and Google+ to follow the touching and inspiring stories of our new patient rescues, reunites, and releases.
We invite you to join us as part of the AWC community. Become a member, attend education events, and visit our facility to view our wild bird patients and learn more about our unique rehabilitation methods. As an AWC member, you’ll help in our work to preserve our natural heritage and make Alabama a better place for wildlife and for people.
Now, more than ever, wildlife needs a champion. You can be a champion to wildlife.