Carolina Wildlife Center in Jeopardy of Closing

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — The Carolina Wildlife Center has been helping the Midlands wildlife for 25 years. But, they’ve found themselves in need of help now. “The volume of animals that have come in this year have exceeded our wildest expectations,” says Jay Coles, Executive Director of the Carolina Wildlife Center. Coles says the cost of feeding and caring for the animals along with running the facility is exceeding the amount of donations coming in. If the center doesn’t raise $140,000, they may have to close. “It’s heartbreaking to see that happen. These animals depend so much on this staff and the people that care for them,” says Coles The 16-person paid staff works two shifts to make sure the animals are fed and cared for, but their work goes further than the center. Eighteen of the animals at the center are part of the educational program. They travel to area schools to educate children about wildlife. “We’ve got to keep this center open and continue to do this work,” says Coles If you would like to help Carolina Wildlife Center visit their website for information about making a donation and upcoming events: www.carolinawildlife.org You can also mail a donation to Carolina Wildlife Center- 5551 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212