Extreme Heat Poses Danger to At-Risk Wildlife

The wild animals who have been rescued by Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center are in danger as the temperatures in the Valley reach extreme highs.
Staff members are working diligently to repair evaporative coolers on site, replace shade cloths and hosing enclosures down with cold water to ensure all animals are protected and shaded from the heat.
“We have definitely adopted new protectors to protect those who can’t protect themselves,” said Linda Searles, executive director of Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center. “To combat the heat, we have to step up our cooling methods and put in a lot of extra work.  The animals are our top priority, and what’s always most important to us is their health and safety.”
Staff is providing animals with extra attention during these critical months, checking on them multiple times a day, and monitoring their health to ensure they are healthy and hydrated. Southwest Wildlife has even purchased 100 blocks of ice for the animals’ water tubs to help keep them cool.
The center will continue to run its air conditioning unit, and take any additional steps possible to ensure the safety of the animals, so that someday they will be healthy enough to be released into the wild.
Southwest Wildlife has rehabilitated thousands of sick, injured and orphaned wild animals since its inception in 1994.