Barry Kirshner Wildlife Foundaton ~ 4995 Durham-Pentz Rd ~ (530) 533-1000 ~ www.kirschner.org
By Melissa Wynn
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[/media-credit]When we first met Roberta Kirshner and her friends from the wild a few years back, they were located in Durham and open by appointment only. But , thanks to the recent move to 4995 Durham-Pentz Rd. near Oroville, animal lovers and can now visit Tuesday-Sunday from nine to five. Exotic species from around the globe grace this new spread of grassy rolling hills and eagerly await your visit.
For years Roberta Kirshner and her dedicated staff of volunteers have cared for special needs, non-releasable creatures, like my old friend Chuffy the white tiger, who were displaced from their wilderness homes. Most of the animals at Barry Kirschner Wildlife Foundation are rejected pets or cast offs from the entertainment industry. Others, like Wiley the Coyote, were injured in the wild. For all of the residents here, red fox and black bear alike, this is the end of the line.
Every employee at the Barry Kirschner Wildlife Foundation is a volunteer and the day-to-day expenses of caring for these amazing critters are paid with donations from animals lovers like you and me. There were forty-six critters of various species during my June visit, but sadly only fourteen of them had dedicated sponsors at that time. Anyone can become a sponsor for just a few dollars a day. Take a tour, become a sponsor, or just make a one time donation while visiting or at their website www.kirschner.org. There can never be too many volunteers and students can earn up to nine transferable credits working with lions, tigers, bears, lemur and even a wallaby.
The move has also created new needs at Barry Kirschner Wildlife Foundation. Building materials such as sheetrock, plywood and 8 ft. chain link fencing are among the most urgent supplies needed. Volunteers with construction experience like welding and carpentry are also on the wish list.
The Barry Kirschner Wildlife Foundation is a place of true caring and sacrifice. Roberta Kirschner is an amazing woman for dedicating her life to the protection and upkeep of these refugees of the wild. Maybe all of us who can will lend a hand.
- Phone: (530) 533-1000
- Email: admin@kirshner.org
- Address: 4995 Durham-Pentz Rd., Oroville CA
Hours of Operation:
Open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday.
Take a Tour!
To set up an appointment for a guided tour or to inquire regarding tour rates, please give us a call. The price for walking on your own is $7 per adult and $6 per child (age 12 and below) and no appointment is necessary.
