In 1986 Kim Cannon began working at Olde Towne Animal Hospital as a Veterinary Assistant.  After seeing the number of wildlife patients that were brought into the hospital in need of care, she decided to also become a New York State and Federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator.  It is illegal to take care of wildlife without this permit.  As word spread of a wildlife rehabilitator on staff, the number of wild animals we admitted increased.

In 1992, Kim founded the Wild Animal Rehabilitation Center Inc., the first not-for- profit organization on the East End dedicated to the care of orphaned, injured, and ill wildlife.  With the generous help of Olde Towne Animal Hospital 's veterinary care, medications, and occasional housing for the wildlife, the Wild Animal Rehabilitation Center Inc. (W.A.R.C.) assists approximately 300 animals per year.  W.A.R.C. exists solely on private monetary donations, donations of equipment and feed, and donations of services from Olde Towne Animal Hospital.  We receive no state or federal funding.

W.A.R.C. has treated numerous species of birds, including an east end favorite, the Osprey.  Additionally, we've treated mammals including, but not limited to, deer, squirrels, opossums, groundhogs and chipmunks.  Once we assisted another Rehabilitation group with a bobcat that had been someone’s pet, and then either escaped or was released.  It was near death because it could not fend for itself.

If you would like to make a donation to help W.A.R.C.  continue this program you can send it to:  

                     W.A.R.C. Inc.

                    P.O. Box 2195

                    Riverhead, NY    11901

If you find a wild animal you believe needs help, first observe it from a distance to ascertain whether it truly requires assistance. Often during the Spring and Summer months well meaning people 'rescue'  babies they think are orphaned.  At times, parent animals are gathering food or just a small distance away so as not to draw attention to their young. Just observe, you will see a parent return shortly.

When the animal is obviously sick or injured, there are flies around, or a parent doesn't appear after, say, two hours, using gloves and a towel or blanket,  place the animal in a cardboard box or pet carrier.  Keep it in a warm, quiet area until you can reach Kim at Olde Towne Animal Hospital ( 631-283-0611) or call Wildlife Rescue Center of the Hamptons at 631-728-WILD

                          Thank you for caring for wildlife!