About Us

 

About Us

AWARE was founded by Jacalyn (Jackie) Perry in 1995 as Second Chance Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Inc. The name was changed in 2005, due to the confusion with several domestic animal rescue groups. She has  held a NYS DEC license for rehabilitation and possession, and a US Fish and Wildlife rehabilitation and possession permit since 1989.

 

The organization's mission is to rescue and care for orphaned, injured, and distressed wildlife, and to educate the public on the various issues regarding wildlife and the environment. We are an all volunteer organization, who dedicate our time and energy to care for many wild animals that are found by the public.

 

What We Do

  • Emergency treatment for shock, and injuries.
  • Rescue and stabilize animals in distress.
  • Hand feed orphaned birds every 20 minutes throughout the day.
  • Bottle feed orphaned mammals.
  • Tube feed debilitated / injured birds and mammals.
  • Bandage and clean wounds daily.
  • Splint broken bones or dislocated joints.
  • Treat for poisoning.
  • Medicate for infections.
  • Assist veterinarians with medical procedures.
  • Answer hundreds of phone calls, and advise people who care.
  • Calculate and dose medications.
  • Exercise animals for reconditioning for release to the wild.
  • Build and repair cages, pens and equipment for safety of the animal.
  • Educate the public on dangers to wildlife, and how they can help prevent injuries.
  • CLEAN. CLEAN. CLEAN.
Flight Cage


Recent Projects - Flight Cage

All modifications have been completed. This enclosure will be, and is used for many other animals, but is ready if the need arises for an eagle or other large bird in distress.

Repair


Recent Projects - Flight Cage

Here you can see some volunteers hard at work restoring one of our large flight cages.This enclosure will be, and is used for many other animals, but is ready if the need arises to house an eagle or other large bird in distress.


"If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain. If I ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one fainting robin, Unto its nest again, I shall not live in vain."


— Emily Dickinson

Why We Are AWARE

Many people ask why we do what we do.
My answer to this is in a story that explains our calling


“Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "It made a difference for that one.”

― Loren Eiseley