Category: Critters

By Melissa Wynn Photos Courtesy of Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation Close contact with wildlife is an exhilarating experience that reinforces our connection to nature in a way that little else can. Whether it is a lucky raccoon sighting in your own backyard or a paid dolphin experience abroad, you are sure to remember these rare, face to face encounters for years to come. At the Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation, in Butte County, the staff understands the importance of these lasting connections and has implemented a new opportunity for visitors to interact with the baby animals that occasionally come to them for monitoring, veterinary care and training. For a modest $35 fee, a guest can now get a photo with these precious ambassadors as a memento of their visit to this special forever home for so many animals that can never be released due to medical, genetic or developmental issues. These are NOT typical animals, each has a special need that brought them to this “last resort” facility. Unlike a zoo or text-book sanctuary this loving facility’s purpose is to rescue and then provide rehabilitation and long term care for both native and exotic wildlife. The Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation does NOT breed animals and no babies are born there. Often they are sent from other facilities for simple observation to determine if they have any pre-existing...