Since October 2014, Appalachian Wildlife Refuge has cared for well over 8,000 wild animals. This month, it’s celebrating a decade of work at its Wild Night for Wildlife fundraising event. The organization’s original vision was to start small and work toward opening a large facility. But after seeing the high demand for long-term rehabilitation for animals in need, it wasn’t long before that timeline sped up.
Appalachian Wildlife Refuge has cared for all kinds of injured and orphaned wildlife, from bears and birds to groundhogs and turtles — all while recreating their natural environments so they can thrive when they return to the wild.
To executive director and co-founder Savannah Trantham, the most memorable aspect of the journey is the organization’s impact not just on wildlife, but on people. She knew what Appalachian Wildlife Refuge would do for animals — there wasn’t anything quite like it before its existence — but what she couldn’t predict was how it could help those involved find purpose.
“I’m just constantly in awe of the support and connection that people have to wildlife, but also of the people who just really want to make a difference,” she said, “and the way that this organization has helped people along the way.”
Over the next 10 years, the team hopes to grow its education and research opportunities while continuing individual rehabilitation efforts. Plus, there are plans in the next decade to expand the facility’s medical and veterinary spaces and add a public space for education about native wildlife.
Let out your party animal
Mark the milestone during the organization’s Wild Night for Wildlife fundraising event on Thursday, Sept. 26 at The Mule. Celebrate the last 10 years (and many more to come) in the company of other animal lovers with hors d’oeuvres, drinks, animal ambassadors, and a silent auction.
If you can’t attend the party, you can still support Appalachian Wildlife Refuge through donations, symbolic adoptions, wishlist purchases, or volunteering.
