In 1993, a small group of people who recognized the overwhelming need to help local wildlife, established the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley. In the beginning, there were only two paid employees, we treated approximately 4,000 patients annually, and had just started our community outreach program.
We now have 10 employees in our peak season, admit approximately 5,600 patients a year, and reach 30,000 local residents through our outreach programs. From our humble beginnings on Senter Road in San Jose, to our current location in Penitencia Creek Park, our mission and passion remain the same - to rehabilitate and release local wildlife.
We now have 10 employees in our peak season, admit approximately 5,600 patients a year, and reach 30,000 local residents through our outreach programs. From our humble beginnings on Senter Road in San Jose, to our current location in Penitencia Creek Park, our mission and passion remain the same - to rehabilitate and release local wildlife.
Services
The Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides free, high-quality care for over 5,600 wild animals a year. We are funded almost entirely by private donations, and couldn't provide the services and quality of care we do without your generous support. Every donation is meaningful, and none too small.
Community Outreach is one of the most important things we do. By tabling at Community events, teaching at schools, distributing our Tracks and holding our annual fundraiser, we spread the word about peacefully coexisting with our wild neighbors and explain the process for rehabilitating and releasing local wildlife.
Reviews (26)
Yassi Z.
Jan 17, 2022
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Update to my last review. Im beyond disappointed and feel horrible to have just found out this center euthanized the bird I brought for them that was slightly sick but still very active. It broke my heart that I would bring many sick looking birds here trying to save them and I think every single one of them are euthanized. They did this to my bird a few hours after I brought him over there. They didn't even try to give him antibiotics/medication or wait and try to help him recover and heal. I know the bird I caught wasn't feeling that bad and my thinking was I catch him early in his
Cydney George-Abatecola
Jan 04, 2022
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Di-An D.
Sep 05, 2021
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We had found an injured squirrel and did not know what to do with it. We found this wildlife center and decided to keep watch of the squirrel overnight until it opened the next morning. I'm so glad we did because this center was so kind and informative! I knew right then and there and that the center and the individuals working here would do everything they can. Thank you to everyone who volunteers. Makes such a big difference!
Ai Ai C.
Sep 02, 2021
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Haze Contreras
Jul 24, 2021
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Mary B.
Jul 23, 2021
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This was the only place in the area that would take my baby skunk. They said they would do their best to keep it alive.
I really hope they did.
The people really seemed to care about the poor little thing. I don't know if they liked me but hey, hardly matters as long as they took good care of the little skunk.
I really hope they did.
The people really seemed to care about the poor little thing. I don't know if they liked me but hey, hardly matters as long as they took good care of the little skunk.
Yevgeniy Urdenko
Jun 14, 2021
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Super Jabroni
Apr 14, 2021
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We had an injured raccoon that we humanely caught and they were able to take it in and help it. They do not usually take animals in, unless injured, so you cannot bring any rodents or garden pests in.(Raccoons, squirrels, possums,etc.) The person that helped me was very thorough in explaining how they work, so thanks to you sir!
Jon Vo
Jan 08, 2021
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Tyler-Fawn Cash
Jan 04, 2021
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Well after seeing the reviews of how helpful this place is for wildlife rescuing I am disappointed. I've never had the opportunity to turn in a wild animal before to this place. Next time I won't.
I turned in a small finch yesterday that hit the window at my work. Once I got to this establishment a man answered the door and just pulled the finch off my hair where it was resting and told me to fill out a form and went back inside the building.
Then I asked if I could adopt it if it wasn't able to be released back into the wild. He said wildlife is protected and wouldn't be able to do that (didn
I turned in a small finch yesterday that hit the window at my work. Once I got to this establishment a man answered the door and just pulled the finch off my hair where it was resting and told me to fill out a form and went back inside the building.
Then I asked if I could adopt it if it wasn't able to be released back into the wild. He said wildlife is protected and wouldn't be able to do that (didn
Chris Thomas
Oct 10, 2020
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Lauren Z.
Sep 11, 2020
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This review is for the animal drop-off process.
My 4 yr old son and I found an injured hummingbird on the sidewalk. We put it in a box and I called the wildlife center of SV to find out what to do. They told us the hours and said to bring it in.
The center was a bit hard to find coming from the 680 direction as the center's sign is facing the other direction and it looks like a dirt road but I was able to make a u turn and find it.
As I was getting out of the car an employee was coming out of the building ready to take the bird. He was wearing mask and gloves. He asked what type of animal
My 4 yr old son and I found an injured hummingbird on the sidewalk. We put it in a box and I called the wildlife center of SV to find out what to do. They told us the hours and said to bring it in.
The center was a bit hard to find coming from the 680 direction as the center's sign is facing the other direction and it looks like a dirt road but I was able to make a u turn and find it.
As I was getting out of the car an employee was coming out of the building ready to take the bird. He was wearing mask and gloves. He asked what type of animal
Pam A.
Sep 01, 2020
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They were a lifesaver when two baby hummingbirds mother didn't return. It was overly 100 degrees, they were panting and no momma. I panicked, caledl the Wildlife Center and they instructed me on how to put them safely in a box and then bring them in right away. The let me know that they would take good care of them and would keep me up to date on how they were doing. Which they did. In about a month or so, I got a post card saying that the two hummingbirds were released. This was good news to my heart. Great service by great people.
D. C.
Aug 15, 2019
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Emma I.
May 04, 2019
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Tanya F.
Oct 16, 2018
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A racing pigeon came to my front door to be rescued. The Peninsula SPCA opened at 11am so I found The Wildlife Center in San Jose. They opened at 9am. The pigeon and I raced (no pun intended) down and They told me that they only take wildlife. Bummer. This guy was going to have to sit in a box in my car while I went to work. Thankfully, the wonderful people at the center said they would take him and figure something out.
I left a small donation and bounced. As I left I said, "thank you so much. I appreciate you guys." The Woman at the front desk said, "it's what we do!"
I left a small donation and bounced. As I left I said, "thank you so much. I appreciate you guys." The Woman at the front desk said, "it's what we do!"
Cynthia H.
Oct 15, 2018
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I really want to thank the workers at the wildlife Center. I found a baby squirrel, I tried to take care of him, his name is Squibbles, but he was so small I knew he needed more help in order for him to live. I gave him to the wildlife Center. I called them to check up on him, he was dehydrated and a little malnourished. They gave him fluids and fed him. He is a lot better now and he is with other squirrels. He has a chance to live with others just like him and have a beautiful life. Thank God we have a Wildlife Center, you are all angels.
Judy C.
Sep 02, 2018
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Deborah K.
May 28, 2018
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This center does not go pick up animals, the volunteers that work there are for drop offs. If you can get the animal in a blanket and bring it ~ the animal has the best chance of living and then being released back into the wild. They are awesome. If you drop off an animal to make a donation as they need supplies for animals. BTW, the one star duck girl below: There is huge compassion at this place, go back to the mall. You do have to be able to catch an animal to help it. She could have used a blanket. You know the soft thing that's square.
JoAnn C.
May 24, 2018
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A baby bird had fallen from its nest and likely broken a leg outside our office complex, and I was able to bring him here today. I'm so grateful for centers like these that give wildlife a second chance.
The front desk staff was extremely accommodating and even gave me a reference number so I could check up on the little sparrow I brought in. I'm immensely thankful for that as well, or else I'd be wondering how he did for a very long time.
This place is also very humble-looking, like they pour their money into truly helping animals. The setting is very infused with nature. I felt
The front desk staff was extremely accommodating and even gave me a reference number so I could check up on the little sparrow I brought in. I'm immensely thankful for that as well, or else I'd be wondering how he did for a very long time.
This place is also very humble-looking, like they pour their money into truly helping animals. The setting is very infused with nature. I felt
Jaime M.
May 21, 2018
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The staff at WCAV are super warm, caring and very helpful. I've brought 2 birds in over the past two years. They do everything they can to access, stabilize, give care and release. I was so delighted when I got a visit at home in our Garden from one of our rescues!
Thank you all for the amazing and challenging work you all do!
Thank you all for the amazing and challenging work you all do!
Rennea P.
May 09, 2017
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Definitely a lack of compassion at this place. Just called to report a duck that's been sitting in the street (and almost caused a couple of accidents). He's injured and walks extremely slow, so when he gets tired he sits. Anyways, I called to ask for some advice as to what to do. The woman I spoke to said that I could bring the duck in or I could call animal control. I let her know that I had already called animal control and they said they don't deal with ducks. She said that my only option was to catch it myself.
I don't know about everyone else but I have absolutely no
I don't know about everyone else but I have absolutely no
Aviah M.
Jul 21, 2016
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Roxanne S.
Sep 03, 2015
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I'm beyond pissed at this so called wild life center who claims to have a mission for high quality care.
I was referred to this place after my family found an abandoned baby squirrel. We initially left it there where we first spotted it, but returned the next day to find the squirrel lethargic and covered in insects which appeared to be eating him alive.
My sister nursed the poor little squirrel back to life. It was truly a miracle he even survived. At this point we didn't even have any type of wild life facility in mind. We just completely forgot they existed until a friend reminded
I was referred to this place after my family found an abandoned baby squirrel. We initially left it there where we first spotted it, but returned the next day to find the squirrel lethargic and covered in insects which appeared to be eating him alive.
My sister nursed the poor little squirrel back to life. It was truly a miracle he even survived. At this point we didn't even have any type of wild life facility in mind. We just completely forgot they existed until a friend reminded
Jodi C.
Aug 21, 2014
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The Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley is a quant-looking structure nestled on the side of Penitencia park. In spite of its small appearance, the center actually has several nice structures specifically crafted for temporary housing of wildlife, before their release.
Volunteers and staff members go the extra mile to make the animals' stay is as comfortable and non-invasive as possible.
There are specific diet plans, husbandry, and medication schedules efficiently set up.
The people who work and volunteer at this center are amazingly passionate about the wildlife. The center is a non-profit
Volunteers and staff members go the extra mile to make the animals' stay is as comfortable and non-invasive as possible.
There are specific diet plans, husbandry, and medication schedules efficiently set up.
The people who work and volunteer at this center are amazingly passionate about the wildlife. The center is a non-profit
Vicki B.
Jun 28, 2014
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I took some baby possums that were in my yard. While they were not infants, they were fairly small and immature and no mom to be found. I was handed a pamphlet with a regrettable shake of the head ... no, they weren't going to take the animals. My problem is twofold: no staff member even looked at them to assess their ages and (here's the bigger problem) nowhere on the organization's website does it say *not* to bring animals to them. In fact, the site clearly states its mission is to provide care for injured, sick AND orphaned wildlife.
I live extremely close to a major expressway
I live extremely close to a major expressway