Mission statement

The International Bird Rescue Research Center (IBRRC) is dedicated to mitigating the human impact on aquatic birds and other wildlife, worldwide. This is achieved through emergency response, education, research and planning.

Oil Spill response

During the last 30 years, IBRRC has responded to more than 150 oil spills. Many of these spills involved hundreds and sometimes thousands of birds. Due to the fact that most states and other countries have not adequately prepared for oil spills involving large numbers of birds, we have had to endure crippling delays and inadequate facilities in many cases. However, through this experience we have gained a great deal of knowledge about setting up remote location oiled wildlife care centers and mounting successful search and collection programs. 

During the Exxon Valdez oil spill for example, IBRRC staff organized and managed 2 of the 3 extensive search and rescue efforts and 3 oiled bird rehabilitation centers that were located in different areas. The entire effort lasted 6 months. 

During the 1988-89 Nestucca oil spill in Washington state, we worked with federal and state, we worked with federal and state officials to create a search and collection program that spanned the entire coastline of Washington and into Oregon. Approximately 1,000 volunteers were used to capture and rehabilitate oiled birds during this effort. During this spill, 3,500 oiled sea birds were housed in a local conference center that we converted into an oiled wildlife rehabilitation center. It was developed and functional within 72 hours. Even though consistent bad weather caused electrical outages and other delays, we developed the capacity to wash between 100 and 150 birds per day. This, of course, required careful coordination and the management of volunteers during a 6 week period.

Each individual on our 25 member response team is unique. Collectively they represent decades of experience and a unique expertise. They have arranged their lives so that they can respond to spills when they occur. At the onset of a spill IBRRC sends a few of it's first responders to assess the situation. A work force is built from there. IBRRC staff members are always added and deleted with the agreement and/or approval of the spiller. Volunteers are always utilized and managed by IBRRC staff. Response team members supervise volunteers as well as do their own jobs. In some spills each IBRRC staff member is responsible for approximately 30 volunteers a day working under them as part of their team. In the long run this is a significant savings for the responsible party and is very good for public relations and of course the care of the animals. 

IBRRC has responded to oil spills around the world and our response team can get to a spill within hours of being notified. Each of our staff has access to response kits that contain many of the initial supplies needed to provide medical care to birds, a copy of our internal contingency plan for oil spill responses and other pertinent materials. The majority of our response team members live in the western half of the United States. Our goal is to train local rehabilitators and volunteers to be initial responders if birds are captured prior to our arrival.

Rehabilitation Program

The International Bird Rescue Research Center is known throughout the world as one of the leading authorities on the care and rehabilitation of aquatic birds that are victims of oil spills. However, many people are not aware that IBRRC also operates year-round rehabilitation clinics and research facilities in both northern and southern California.

In Northern California, our home office and wildlife rehabilitation center is housed at the San Francisco Bay Oiled Wildlife Care & Education Center located in Fairfield, California. The Los Angeles Oiled Bird Care & Education Center, located in San Pedro, California is home to our southern California rehabilitation clinic.

IBRRC's rehabilitation program concentrates on aquatic species, as these are the animals most commonly affected in oil spills. Taking advantage of the large numbers and variety of water birds admitted for care at the rehabilitation centers, IBRRC continues to develop new and better methods of animal husbandry and medical treatment. This not only helps those birds but also makes us better prepared to treat aquatic species during an oil spill event. Current areas of interest include developing appropriate doses of antifungal medications in seabirds, exploring improvements in nutritional supplementation, and refining the use of warm water therapy pools for debilitated water birds.

Over 140 species have been treated in the California rehabilitation program, from albatross and swans to tiny sandpipers and rails. This ongoing program has allowed IBRRC to gain extensive experience and expertise in seabird bird care. In addition, outdoor housing space is dedicated to pools and aviaries designed to meet the specialized needs of aquatic birds. As a result, the program receives birds from rehabilitation centers throughout the state (Wings on Wheels), and consults on both a national and an international basis on this subject.

The San Francisco Bay Oiled Wildlife Care & Education Center is located just south of Fairfield in the town of Cordelia. This facility is one of a series being constructed throughout the state of California by OWCN to provide best achievable care to oiled wildlife. This newly built facility is over 12,000 square feet and capable of housing and treating over a thousand animals in the event of a major oil spill off the Northern California coast. The building contains rooms devoted to intake, food preparation, surgery, necropsy, a wash and rinse room with 12 stations, and walk in freezers capable of storing up to a ton and a half of fish. A separate 2,000 square foot building is devoted to office space for IBRRC staff, a research library, training and education.
Built on three acres of land bordering the Suisun Marsh, the outdoor areas have cold pools and warm therapy pools. Aviaries of different sizes will allow recuperating birds to be in natural light. 

IBRRC and the California Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN) are pleased to also open a new Southern California center. Located in San Pedro, this facility is one of series being constructed throughout the state by the OWCN to provide best achievable care to oiled wildlife. Like the San Francisco Bay area facility, this center is capable of handling up to 1000 birds in the event of an oil spill in southern California. IBRRC will occupy and operate the facility and, in addition to spill response, will conduct a year-round aquatic bird rehabilitation program, caring for injured, diseased, and orphaned water birds.

This building is approximately 12,000 square feet of which 1/3 is dedicated to public reception, education and administration. The remaining 2/3 is devoted to animal care and includes intake, hospital, animal holding, food preparation, necropsy, and wash and rinse rooms. Pools and aviaries are outdoors. The facility includes two classrooms one of which is furnished as a science lab and the other for lectures. These will be used by the Los Angeles Unified School District to provide curriculum in marine studies to students grades K though 12. Because birds under going rehabilitation may not be on exhibit, the public reception area is equipped with TV monitors where guests can watch, in real time, what is happening in the hospital and in the pool areas without causing undue stress to the animals.

IBRRC looks forward to being able to provide care for water birds in this facility that is designed to do just that. We are excited to be able to provide more extensive educational opportunities to both the general public and students. Through these efforts we think the Los Angeles Oiled Bird Care an Education Center will prove to be an asset to the community and we look forward to activating these programs. IBRRC would like to thank Long Beach Natural Resources Trust and Chevron Products Corporation for their generous support.

Research program

Oiled wildlife response and rehabilitation continues to be a growing and fast changing field. It is exciting and challenging at the same time. We feel strongly that the people involved in any profession are responsible for advancing their field. Therefore, research devoted to improving this profession is consistent and remains an important aspect of IBRRC.

IBRRC's research program primarily focuses on improving the field of oiled wildlife care and response and the general rehabilitation of aquatic birds through practical application of new techniques, clinical trials and post release studies. We also work with other wildlife experts and specialists on many projects.

Current research projects include: revising and developing new sea bird diets, developing protocol for the control of airborne fungal disease in oiled birds, long term alcid rehabilitation techniques, improved caging for difficult species (loons and grebes) assisting avian specialists in post release radio telemetry studies on rehabilitated oiled birds and collecting blood normals for each species.

Much of our knowledge on oiled bird care is learned during actual spill responses where many animals are presented for our care. This type of research could be termed opportunistic since we are given the immediate opportunity to apply new techniques and gain information on managing large numbers of birds. Our research is always passive in the sense that no bird is ever sacrificed in the name of research. Our goal is to continually improve the science of oiled wildlife rehabilitation.

Oil ingested by wildlife can damage internal organs such as the liver and kidneys, as well as destroying tissue in the digestive system. The development of medical treatments that can reverse these effects are crucial to insure the survival of the animal. This is an area where IBRRC focuses much of its attention.

Services offered

For over 30 years IBRRC has provided oiled wildlife collection, rehabilitation and documentation services on an assured basis for companies that transport or hold petroleum products. These services are performed under overall direction of and use the criteria agreed to by appropriate state, provincial and federal resource trustees. 

IBRRC is committed to reducing the impact of oil on wildlife by releasing the highest possible number of animals back into the wild.

To do this most effectively, IBRRC needs the cooperation of the Responsible Party (RP) and the state and federal agencies. Animals being treated at the rehabilitation center must move through the system as quickly as possible. In all cases, IBRRC requests that the RP have a representative at the rehabilitation center during working hours, or at least available as needed, in order to expedite the communication process.

Response Team

IBRRC maintains a 25-member oiled wildlife response team comprised of trained and experienced professional wildlife rehabilitators, veterinarians, biologists and other wildlife experts. All IBRRC response team members are OSHA certified and trained and experienced in crisis management. Team members are mobilized as needed to oversee different aspects of the rehabilitation effort. They coordinate and train local wildlife rehabilitators and volunteers used in the wildlife response.

Standard Operating Procedures

IBRRC's 24-hour answering service will contact callers with an IBRRC employee who will activate an initial assessment team. IBRRC regional representatives can also be contacted directly by phone or beeper. IBRRC's initial assessment personnel will be contacted immediately and dispatched within four hours of notification, or as mutually agreed by the parties involved. The team will perform services for the RP or designated representative in connection with the RP's operations. 

Response protocols

Upon activation and following consultation with the RP, IBRRC will commence mobilization and deployment of our trained response team whose duties, in accordance with all elements of IBRRC's Oiled Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Protocols, include the following :

• Initial wildlife impact assessment with trustee agencies and RP
Assessment consists of reviewing the spill trajectories, examining the spill site and surrounding terrain, and performing fly-overs as needed. In all cases, IBRRC staff will meet with state and federal trustees to identify the wildlife species in the area which are likely to be affected.

The RP will also be informed of any endangered and/or threatened species which may be impacted. Following initial assessment, IBRRC will inform agency representatives and the RP of IBRRC's initial action plan. Also, IBRRC will activate local trained wildlife rehabilitators to be on-scene to care for oiled wildlife prior to IBRRC's arrival. 

Oiled wildlife facility design and operation

Not all states and regions are fully prepared for oil spills involving wildlife. In areas where established oiled wildlife rehabilitation facilities are available, IBRRC will work with the RP and agency representatives to activate these facilities. If no oiled wildlife rehabilitation facility is available, IBRRC will assist the RP and trustee agencies in locating buildings that can quickly be modified into a functional rehabilitation facility. The cost of any renovation will be the responsibility of the RP. In the event of a federalized spill, the trustee agencies will assume the financial responsibility. All costs associated with establishing a center will be pre-approved by the RP or agency responsible.

IBRRC will use its standard facility guidelines, which are listed in the IBRRC contingency plan under the paper entitled: "Facility Requirements for Oiled Bird Rehabilitation Centers." Throughout the duration of the rehabilitation effort, IBRRC will manage and operate the facility on a daily basis. This includes procuring security guards and contacting local utility companies and other pertinent agencies as needed. 

Overall management of rehabilitation program

Oiled wildlife rehabilitation programs are multifaceted and must be organized in a way that facilitates the rapid movement of the animals through the system.
Every aspect of the program, from washing to feeding, is equally important. A breakdown within any part of this system will affect the others. To assure the effective and efficient operation of the program, IBRRC will assign staff members to oversee each department within the program. The director will have the responsibility of overseeing and directing the entire operation. The director and on-scene coordinator will work closely with the RP to maintain effective communication at all times. The rehabilitation coordinator and lead veterinarian will coordinate and direct the rehabilitation program.

Coordination of local wildlife rehabilitators

The services of local wildlife rehabilitators are essential in oil spills affecting wildlife. Their expertise in caring for wildlife can be a great asset during spill response. IBRRC will contact and schedule local rehabilitators as needed within the first 72 hours of IBRRC's activation. In the event that an existing wildlife center has oiled wildlife rehabilitation capabilities, IBRRC will work with the RP to establish use agreements with the appropriate groups.

Management of field collection of wildlife 

Partially and heavily oiled wildlife can suffer from internal and external effects. If left untreated, they will likely die. IBRRC's goal is to capture as many animals as possible before they succumb to these environmental factors. The collection of impacted wildlife must be initiated immediately when it is anticipated that wildlife may be affected. A timely response is crucial to the survival of the affected wildlife. Following initial assessment, IBRRC will organize and oversee the search and collection of impacted animals where it is deemed necessary. IBRRC's search and collection coordinator will work with agency representatives to establish and implement an action plan using IBRRC staff and/or volunteers. In the event that a field stabilization unit is necessary, search and collection team members will coordinate their efforts with the stabilization team.

If the collection of wildlife has been assigned to agency personnel, IBRRC will assist as needed.

Volunteering basics

The people at IBRRC are dedicated to maintaining the highest level of animal care available. And at the same time, IBRRC strives to improve medical and husbandry techniques for aquatic birds in captivity.

We are proud of the consistently high standard of care we are able to provide for our patients. This is largely due to the dedication and support of our volunteers who participate in every aspect of the rehabilitation process. Their involvement is vital and directly impacts the successful return of animals to the wild.

If you want to help wildlife and be part of a dedicated team, check out our programs to find which one fits you best. 

Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old, have a sincere desire to help wildlife, become a member of IBRRC, commit to at least a four-hour shift a week, be dependable, responsible and able to take direction.

We have three levels of volunteers: 

Level one volunteers work directly with a mentor and staff to learn how to properly perform basic hospital duties such as cleaning cages, doing laundry, preparing food, and helping to take care of the pools. When these skills are mastered, you can achieve level two if you choose. 

Level two volunteers may come to IBRRC with experience gained from other centers, education through the National Wildlife Rehabilitators' Association (NWRA) or IBRRC skills seminars, or a desire to gain these skills through hands-on experience at IBRRC and continuing education in wildlife rehabilitation. Level two volunteers are comfortable with capture and restraint, weighing patients, measuring medication, giving medication, tubing, updating the medical records and assisting staff with patient evaluations. 

OWCN & IBRRC: A proud partnership

Who and what is California's Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN)?

The OWCN is a legislatively mandated program within The California Fish and Game, Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) which strives to ensure that wildlife exposed to petroleum products in the environment receive the best achievable treatment by providing access to permanent wildlife rehabilitation facilities and trained personnel for oil spill response within California.

It is a statewide network of wildlife care providers which includes regional facilities established pursuant to the requirements of the Lempert-Keene-Seastrand Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act. These facilities are to provide rehabilitation for aquatic birds, sea otters, other marine mammals, and sea turtles in the event of an oil spill and are maintained in a constant state of readiness.

IBRRC proposes the network in the mid 1980's

Since 1971 and prior to the formation of the OSPR and the OWCN, IBRRC was more or less the only game in town when it came to oiled bird response and rehabilitation in California. IBRRC is actually named in the Lempert-Keene-Seastrand Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act as one of the leaders in the field of oiled bird rehabilitation. But the burden of responding to oil spills with limited funding, unavailable resources, untrained volunteers and poor to no facilities crippled our efforts to help oiled birds. Many birds were lost and our staff and the California wildlife rehabilitators and volunteers that helped in oil spills were discouraged and left hopeless.

Frustration led to brainstorming and in the mid 1980's IBRRC presented to then, California Department of Fish and Game Director, Pete Bontadelli, the concept of a network of wildlife rehabilitation volunteers and facilities within the state that could more effectively respond to oil spills. The concept included supplying these existing facilities with basic oiled wildlife care supplies and offered basic training to the volunteers so that we could be better supported to us when we came to their town to respond to an oil spill. We also envisioned rehabilitation centers being able to provide care to the occasional oiled bird through training and mentoring. Although enthusiastic and extremely supportive of the concept, the department had no funding available to make this idea a reality and the idea was shelved.

OWCN Becomes a Reality

Ten years after the original concept was presented the OWCN became a reality. Managed by the Wildlife Health Center at the University of Davis, CA, the OWCN now has 24 participating organizations throughout the state that represent wildlife rehabilitators, veterinarians and biologists. IBRRC is proud to be one of those participants and works closely with OWCN on a daily basis.

OWCN and IBRRC Partner in Spill Response and Training

IBRRC plays two major roles within the OWCN. First, IBRRC acts as the lead oiled bird response organization that, under the management of the OWCN, responds to most of the oil spills that affect birds, reptiles and fresh water aquatic mammals in California. Secondly, IBRRC is contracted to develop and teach a series of annual trainings for OWCN participants. These trainings are designed to familiarize members with concepts in oiled wildlife capture and rehabilitation and are presented at two levels, basic and advanced.

Topics addressed include laboratory and veterinary capabilities, personnel skills and availability, husbandry guidelines for aquatic species and understanding record-keeping procedures. These two day workshops include hands on work with live ducks to review capture and restraint, physical examination, tube-feeding procedures, venipuncture, the preparation of hematology samples, washing/rinsing procedures with particular emphasis on waterproofing. The particular rehabilitation needs of local species that are prone to oiling are detailed. Necropsy demonstrations are usually conducted to enable participants to understand potential effects of oil and rehabilitation. A table top spill drill is added to advanced trainings and is tailored to local conditions, e.g. species most likely to be encountered, and areas most likely to be hit with an oil spill, will help to underscore local strengths and delineate areas that need additional work. These 5 annual workshops usually begin in late March and continue through October. 

One of our greatest challenges is bringing the unique concept of wildlife rehabilitation to the public without negatively affecting the birds in our care. Wild birds are very frightened of humans and are often stressed just by being held in captivity. Human interactions can also have a negative impact on these birds reducing their chances for successful rehabilitation. Therefore, all handling and viewing must be kept to a minimum. Birds are typically kept out of the view of the public. However, we feel it is important and valuable for the public to be able to actually see the animals during their rehabilitation with their own eyes and learn about the rehabilitation process. We have circumvented this problem in a variety of ways that will allow maximum viewing by visitors while minimizing human interaction with the birds.

Indoor Animal Viewing

A one way window has been designed into the veterinary clinic where animals are cared for and housed. This window will allow school groups and others to view and interact with the rehabilitation staff through a portable audio system while they care for the birds. Through this system students will have the opportunity to learn about the rehabilitation process and ask questions about the birds currently under care. This area is off limits to the general public and only available to guided groups.

Outdoor Viewing of Rehabilitating Birds

When outdoors, rehabilitating aquatic birds are housed in various sized aviaries or pools. Although the public is not allowed to go into the animal holding areas signs at the outdoor areas will describe the birds currently under care and explain the reasons for their rehabilitation along with pertinent information about each species.
For example, the Brown Pelican is an endangered species that is found in abundance along the California coast and has made a strong comeback since the 1970ís when their population was significantly reduced due primarily to DDT poisoning. Although their comeback has been successful since the federal ban on DDT was put into law they are considered an extremely vulnerable species and remain a federally listed endangered species. Theirs is an exciting success story that shows what can be achieved through the dedication and perseverance of humans. At the same time, it is because of the shortsightedness of man that this species became an endangered species in the first place. These are the two main points that will be made evident through signage placed in viewing areas near these aviaries. We intend to tell the pelicans' story and make the important point that although their comeback has to date been successful, it takes the commitment of the public to keep pelicans and other aquatic birds protected on a long term basis.

Because of the current abundant pelican population and their close proximity to humans, they are common patients in rehabilitation organizations along the California coast. We expect to have a regular flow of injured, sick and occasionally oiled pelicans come to the center for rehabilitation. Pelicans are large birds that require expansive aviaries for flight exercise with large shallow pools for bathing. Many other birds can be housed in these cages with pelicans since they typically interact in the wild and are compatible with each other. So, in essence these cages are actually community aviaries housing a variety of species with a variety of stories. All of which have significance to environmental education and human accountability.

Video Monitor Viewing for Indoor and outdoor caging

The outdoor and indoor rehabilitation areas housing birds subject to stress will have cameras mounted over many of the cages so that animals can be viewed from the indoor classroom area. Video monitors will also be conveniently located in the visitor area for public viewing. This will allow viewers to see extremely shy and more unusual animals that are not usually available to viewing. Written materials and photographs that explain the rehabilitation process and interpret the behaviors that are likely to be witnessed will be mounted near the monitors.

The San Francisco Bay Oiled Wildlife Care and Education Center 

The San Francisco Bay Oiled Wildlife Care and Education Center (SFBOWCEC) is located in northern San Francisco Bay in Cordelia, CA. This facility is IBRRC's new headquarters and houses the International Training Center for Oiled Wildlife Response, a program of IBRRC that offers individuals and organizations dedicated to oiled wildlife response an opportunity to gain hands on and practical experience in oiled wildlife care and response. This facility has the capacity to house up to 1,500 oiled birds during one event and will also house IBRRC's local education program and our ongoing aquatic bird and mammal rehabilitation program. 

Answering the need for Alaska oil spill response

The Alaska Wildlife Response Center (AWRC) is a program of the International Bird Rescue Research Center (IBRRC). IBRRC is recognized throughout the world as the leader in oiled wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. Major funding for the Alaska Wildlife Response Center is provided by Alyeska Pipeline Service Company and Alaska Clean Seas.

History

Historically, oil spills without existing or centralized facilities have consistently yielded lower success rates in oiled wildlife rehabilitation. During the Exxon Valdez oil spill, the scale and geographical circumstances once again emphasized this fact. Clearly, logistical continuity must be a priority during oil spills.

In 1991, IBRRC proposed the concept of the AWRC to the petroleum industry as a proactive regional approach to oil spills involving wildlife. Alyeska Pipeline Service Company and Alaska Clean Seas became the centers primary sponsors.

Purpose

The purpose of the Alaska Wildlife Response Center (AWRC) is to reduce the impact of oil contamination on wildlife by:

• Providing a centralized and specifically designed "turnkey" oiled wildlife response facility for the state of Alaska.

• Providing professional personnel from IBRRC in the event of an oil spill involving wildlife.

• Facilitating well-directed research efforts on the effects of oil on wildlife and techniques to mitigate those effects.

• Providing specialized services to the oil industry, wildlife trustee agencies, and the scientific community in preparing for an oil spill.

• Providing an IBRRC Alaska Representative to network with industry and trustee agencies on a regular basis.

Contingency Planning

IBRRC works with the petroleum industry and government agencies in planning for the capture and rehabilitation of oiled wildlife. Planning includes identification and stockpiling of necessary supplies and resources and the design of practical search and collection, stabilization, and transport programs. The AWRC is crucial to all of IBRRC's planning efforts in Alaska as it is centrally located and is the only "turn key" oiled bird rehabilitation facility in Alaska.

Training

IBRRC provides training programs available to government and industry personnel and private organizations. Trainings include safety procedures, search and collection, stabilization procedures, and the transportation and rehabilitation of oiled wildlife. Opportunities are available for interested individuals to receive on-scene training at oil spills outside of Alaska.

Response

The AWRC in Anchorage answers the need for a facility ready to receive oiled wildlife within hours of notification of a spill. Designed to care for all species of native Alaskan birds as well as small terrestrial and aquatic mammals, other than sea otters, response time is cut to a minimum. Cleaning facilities, critical care unit, clinical laboratory, cages and pools are in place and ready to go. Drawing on the IBRRC response team, volunteers from Bird TLC and the community, AWRC can be fully staffed with wildlife care professionals within a few hours. Research& Rehabilitation
IBRRC's research goal is to improve rehabilitation procedures for wildlife primarily through clinical trials and post-release monitoring. In addition, analysis of data from spills, studies in nutrition, husbandry and medical protocols are also evaluated and improved. Our ultimate goal is to minimize the stress and length of the rehabilitation process while assuring that the animals cared for have the best possible chance for survival in the wild.

IBRRC & Bird Treatment and Learning Center (Bird TLC)

Since 1994 these two organizations have joined forces to create a unique relationship that benefits the wildlife and people of Alaska. Bird TLC is a non-profit bird rehabilitation organization based in Anchorage that treats approximately 1,100 wild birds a year. This includes up to 70 bald eagles annually. With limited funds and no facility available large enough to house these birds, the decision was made to allow Bird TLC to utilize the AWRC when it was not being used for oil spills.

The benefits of this cooperative relationship are many. Bird TLC has a place to carry out its valuable work, volunteers provide regular maintenance of the AWRC and an unlimited source of experienced volunteers are available to aid IBRRC in an oil spill. Bird TLC volunteers provided half of the work force during the 1996 Pribilof Island spill that resulted in the release of 180 king eiders and other species.ildlife Response Center (AWRC) is to reduce the impact of oil contamination on wildlife by:

• Providing a centralized and specifically designed "turnkey" oiled wildlife response facility for the state of Alaska.

• Providing professional personnel from IBRRC in the event of an oil spill involving wildlife.

IBRRC's Northern California bird center

In 2001, the International Bird Rescue Research Center, in partnership with California's Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN), opened two new oiled wildlife care and educational facilities in California.

The first to open, the San Francisco Bay Oiled Wildlife Care and Education Center, is located in Cordelia, California at the northern end of San Francisco Bay. This facility contains IBRRC's new headquarters and the International Training Center for Oiled Wildlife Response.

The second center was built in Southern California at San Pedro, California. The IBRRC programs offer individuals and organizations, dedicated to oiled wildlife response, an opportunity to gain hands-on and practical experience in oiled wildlife care and response.

This 10,000 square-foot facility has the capacity to house up to 1,000 oiled birds during one event and also houses IBRRC's local education program and our ongoing aquatic bird and mammal rehabilitation program. A 2,000 square-foot adjoining building is devoted to office space for IBRRC staff, a research library, training and education.

The building contains rooms devoted to intake, food preparation, surgery, necropsy, a wash and rinse room with 12 stations, and walk in freezers capable of storing up to a ton and a half of fish.

Built on three acres of land bordering the Suisun Marsh, the outdoor areas have cold pools and warm therapy pools. Aviaries of different sizes will allow recuperating birds to be in natural light.

The San Francisco Bay Oiled Wildlife Care & Education Center is located just south of Fairfield near Interstate 80 and 680. This facility is one of a series being constructed throughout the state of California by OWCN to provide best achievable care to oiled wildlife.

IBRRC's Southern California bird center

On March 21, 2001, the second of two new California oiled wildlife centers opened. Located in San Pedro, the center is operated by IBRRC and overseen by the Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN). 

The Los Angeles Oiled Wildlife Care and Education Center, is a 12,000 square foot facility designed to house up to 1,000 birds at a time. It will also house the Southern California chapter of IBRRC's local education program and our ongoing aquatic bird rehabilitation program. 

In cooperation with the Los Angeles Unified School District, two large classrooms with laboratory and computer capabilities have been incorporated into the facility. An estimated 40,000 schoolchildren are expected to visit the facility annually.

Included in the center:

• Large outdoor aviaries with pools for pelicans.

• A bird hospital area with two-way communication system so schoolchildren and other visitors can see and talk to rehabilitators as they care for injured birds.

• Video cameras and monitors connected to outdoor aviaries to allow the public to view animals in care.

Background

Oiled birds have their best chance at survival if they are cared for by well-trained staff in a properly designed and equipped veterinary facility. This new $2.5 million facility will offer that quality of care for up to 1,000 aquatic birds affected by an oil spill in the Los Angeles area.

The new Los Angeles center is the fifth and final major link in the state's Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN), the world's most advanced rescue system for oiled wildlife. The OWCN is a model for rescue programs in other countries. It is managed by the UC Davis Wildlife Health Center and funded by the California Department of Fish and Game Office of Spill Prevention and Response.