SAN ANTONIO – Since most of the animals taken in by Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation are urban wildlife found in and around San Antonio, Lynn Cuny, WRR founder and president, said its new clinic north of downtown will be more convenient to the public.
The 7,000-square-foot Roger and Phyllis Sherman Animal Care Complex at 1354 Basse Rd. replaces its much smaller wildlife clinic on Earl Street.
The building that once housed dental offices was purchased and renovated at a cost of almost $500,000.
Cuny said donors such as the Shermans, former Spurs chairman Peter Holt, the Kronkosky Foundation and other supporters help make it all possible.
“The number of animals that get help will increase and the survival rate will increase,” Cuny said.
After they are dropped off or picked up by volunteers, Cuny said the animals will get “immediate triage and all the care they need immediately.” If necessary, she said, they will be transferred to WRR’s hospital at its 212-acre sanctuary in Kendalia, about an hour from San Antonio. Then once they’re healthy enough, the goal is to release them back into the wild.
Cuny said so far this year, WRR has seen 8,500 injured or orphaned animals found by the public.
“Almost all of their problems have been caused by our species — trapped, poisoned, hit by cars, caught in fences,” Cuny said.
But she said in contrast, she’s seen the kindness of so many people time and time again.
Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, Cuny said she likes to think WRR has helped change people’s attitudes toward wild animals. She said years ago, callers would demand WRR come remove animals.
“We take care of animals nobody wants, who people think are dirty, ugly, carrying disease or dangerous,” Cuny said.
Back then, authorities would just shoot the animals. Now callers sound concerned about the welfare of the creatures they find, she said.
Web Extra Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation
Cuny said more people now understand the animals are “magnificent beings who deserve our help and respect, and that’s what WRR has been doing since 1977.”
Wild animals that are found may be taken to WRR. The organization has a 24-hour hotline with a real person to answer questions.
Residents can drop off the animal or volunteers may be able to pick them up, but the organization asks that people first call 830-336-2725.
For more photos of the animals, click here.
For more videos of the animals, click here.
