Hawk debuts at Wildlife Baby Shower
Contributed by Carolina Wildlife Care

Monroe, a red- tailed hawk will be making his first public appearance April 19, 2008.

Carolina Wildlife Care will host its annual open house, "A Wildlife Baby Shower" Saturday, April 19, 2008, from 10 am- 4 pm and Sunday, April 20, 2008 from 1- 4 pm at its wildlife center at 5551 Bush River Road, Columbia, S.C., 29212.

Visitors will see for themselves what happens behind the closed doors of the clinic where the typical patients can range from hummingbirds to herons or from cottontails to river cooters. Carolina Wildlife Care provides specialized care to injured and orphaned wildlife, and brings hope to these patients so they will once again live life in the wild. Guests will marvel as they observe orphaned wildlife being cared for by dedicated staff and volunteers, and hear firsthand the stories of patients currently at the center.

The wildlife center is the perfect setting for a family outing. Hands- on activities as well as educational demonstrations with live "wildlife ambassadors" will be held at Carolina Wildlife Care's new shelter area, Nature's Nook. The center's wildlife programs allow kids and adults to view up- close many of the wild animals living among us today and teach the importance of sharing and protecting our natural environment.

Whether guests are visiting for the first, second, or tenth time, there is always something new to behold in the grace of wildlife, especially the animals who now reside permanently at the center.

The most recent addition to CWC's education program, a red- tailed hawk named Monroe, will be making his first public appearance. Monroe arrived at Carolina Wildlife Care from North Carolina after colliding with a garbage truck. Injuries left Monroe blind in one eye and unable to hunt for food. Monroe is one of the center's 15 non-releasable wildlife ambassadors on exhibit throughout the weekend.

Join CWC for a special Breakfast with the Birds from 8:30 to 10 am Saturday morning and beat the crowds. Enjoy muffins, fruit and other tasty temptations while visiting the center before it opens to the public. Cost is a $20 donation per person. For more information or to reserve your space, call Carolina Wildlife Care at 803-772- 3994.

The Wildlife Baby Shower offers something for everyone, and families throughout the Midlands make this event an annual celebration of spring's arrival. The cost of admission is a monetary donation or an appropriate wildlife baby gift from the CWC Wish List. A shuttle service will be provided from nearby parking areas to the wildlife center and back. For directions to Carolina Wildlife Care or a complete list of wish list items, visit the center's website at www.carolinawildlife. org or call 803-772- 3994 for more information.

Carolina Wildlife Care is a leading wildlife rehabilitation center in South Carolina establishing harmony between humans and wildlife, while instilling an appreciation for nature. Founded in 1989, the Center has cared for 40,000 injured, orphaned and displaced wildlife representing 200 species, including songbirds, waterfowl, small mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

Carolina Wildlife Care, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 organization and receives no state or federal funding. Donations or inquiries can be made to Carolina Wildlife Care at 803-772- 3994 or by visiting the website at www.carolinawildlife. org.