Alaska Wildlife Rescue, AWR, is in need of a 24 hour emergency care center for Alaska’s injured or orphaned marine and terrestrial species. The center will provide the space and equipment required to stabilize rescued wildlife and provide a temporary sanctuary until a rehabilitation center or foster care is arranged. In addition, the center will provide space to educate children and adults about the environmental threats to Alaskan wildlife, AWR’s commitment to help injured or orphaned wild animals and what they can do to help support the conservation efforts. The development of the AWR Emergency Care & Educational Center can be divided into three phases to better utilize incoming donations.
PHASE ONE | Land Development & Utilities
The first wave of donations will go towards Phase One, the development of the land and utilities for the Emergency Care & Educational Center. The long-term lease land we have procured next to an aircraft runway will need sustancial fill to raise the land to acceptable levels for building and parking needs. Utilities need to be installed before construction, this includes electrical, water, septic and internet. The building will utilize solar based electrical along with tie-in power that can give the center emergency power if required.
PHASE TWO | AWR Emergence Care Center
The second wave of donations will go towards Phase Two, the AWR Emergency Care Center. The center will include the following areas:
Emergency Treatment Room – The Emergency Treatment Room will include tools, devices and technologies that will allow the Alaska Wildlife Rescue Team to provide immediate medical care to patients. The following pieces of equipment are needed in order for animals to start receiving treatment:
Equipment Needs – Exam and procedure tables, Veterinary Stethoscope, Lighting, Veterinary ultrasounds, Digital X-Ray Imaging Machines, IV pumps, Autoclaves and Sterilizers, Anesthesia Machines and other specialized tools.
Animal Containment Area – The center will also includes staging enclosures for injured and orphaned animals that allows for a secure environment where these animals can rest safely with minimal stress. Because of the immense diversification of our rescue animals, these staging areas will need to have seperate climate controlled rooms that fit the particular needs for different marine and terrestrial animals.
Marine Animal Area – Marine animals has their own specific needs and requirements in order to recover. Proper lighting, pool size, temperature control and filtration systems are only a few of the key components that our center needs in order to assist these animals.
Terrestrial Animal Area – Forest animals vary drastically from one another, meaning their needs are also very different. Comfortable enclosures of varied size and temperature are needed to support these animals.
Raptor Area – Injured birds of prey require special rooms that offer a quiet space designed to minimize movement and protecting them from further injury.
Animal Nutritional Preparation Room – The majority of injured or orphaned animals that come into our center have not eaten or consumed liquids for an extended period of time. In order for these animals to begin on the road to recovery, they require immediate re-hydration and specific supplemental food intake particular to each species requirements. Many of the patients AWR rescues are babies who have been orphaned or injured, so nursing supplies are imperative for their survival.
Supply Room – The room will store all rescue supplies and trauma equipment. It must allow for easy and quick access to equipment to reduce procurement time.
Conference Room – The center will also include a conference room for rescue team planning and volunteer training. The room needs to be equipped with media and technology to help facilitate planning discussions.
Equipment Needs – Conference table and chairs, LED Large Screen Monitor, Laptop, White Board.
Administration Office – Offices will be needed for our staff in order to keep their work and documents organized and in one safe and secure area.
PHASE THREE | AWR Educational Center
The third wave of donations will go towards Phase Three, the AWR Educational Center open to the public traveling between Anchorage and Denali National Parks and Preserve as well as support local school field trips. Please see the AWR Prospective Educational Plan for more details.
Theater – A theater for viewing of educational media.
Educational Display Room – Exhibits for guests to learn more about Alaskan wildlife and Alaska Wildlife Rescue process.
Interior Viewing Walkway – Viewing windows into the Animal Nutritional Preparation Room and the Emergency Treatment Room.
Gift Shop – A gift shop for guests to purchase Alaska Wildlife Rescue merchandise and local art work which in turn will help to support the center.
Exterior Viewing Walkway – A walkway to view large scale rescue equipment.
Parking Area – A large public parking area will be required to support bus operations along with single car parking with handicap access.
Donations
Alaska Wildlife Rescue is currently accepting donations towards this Emergency Care & Educational Center Plan. AWR does not currently receive any local, state, or federal funding. In saying so, we rely solely on the graciousness of others by donating to our cause. Donations are critical in order for AWR to continue saving the lives of Alaska’s injured and orphaned wildlife. In addition to financial donations, AWR also accepts supply and vehicle donations. Alaska Wildlife Rescue would not be able to save the lives of animals without the help of other local wildlife organizations and rescue centers that we work closely with, so please also consider donating to their life-saving work also. Without them there would be no “us”.
