YORK COUNTY, Pa. — West Shore Wildlife Center has decided to relocate and is now asking for the community's help to find a new home.
The wildlife center received a letter in late September from Newberry Township addressing zoning law violations at their residential location on Eagle Lane, sparking a decision to find a new location.
It was a notice they eventually expected but is still no less shocking.
"We agree that we're too big and it’s ready to go," said Emily Garrigan, the West Shore Wildlife Center's founder and executive director. "But it’s not something we expected to do between now and the end of the year. We were thinking it’s a two, three, four-year goal. And now to have to do it before the end of the year is a bit of a shock."
The relocation comes as the center is seeing a growing need for wildlife rehabilitation services.
West Shore Wildlife Center first opened its doors in 2019 and was taking in about 400 animals per year. Four years later, that number has skyrocketed to around 2,100 animals and the center expects it to keep on growing.
"We know that, really, to meet the need in our area we probably need to grow to take in about 5,000 animals a year," said Garrigan. "So, even with that ridiculous growth that we’ve had in four years, we’re still not quite meeting the need that’s out there."
The center was granted an extension to the end of the year for their relocation by Newberry Township via email saying that as long as the West Shore Wildlife Center is making progress towards moving the township will continue to work with them.
"I do believe that [Newberry Township] think[s] what we’re doing is important," said Garrigan. "It’s why they’re willing to work with us because they appreciate what we are doing."
Despite the challenges of relocating, it’s a move they understand will benefit them in the long run.
"To get out of a home-based rehab center, where we’re operating out of the first floor of our house to have a dedicated space, is going to open up all kinds of opportunities," said Garrigan.
"It’s a bit of a challenge for us to raise these funds so fast and ask that of our community but we’re really excited for the possibility to have our own space, to expand is going to let us take in more volunteers, take in more animals, do some more fundraising, conservation, education outreach, all the things that align with our mission," she continued.
West Shore Wildlife Center is asking for the community’s help. On Monday, they launched their growing home initiative asking for donations needed for them to make a move.
"It’s only with our community’s support that we’re able to be here," said Garrigan. "We just launched Monday morning and have already raised $11,000 of our $300,000 goal and that’s without reaching out to any foundation, corporations or any lead grants. Our community is showing they are ready to back us and want us to be here, so we are excited."
With that kind of response, they believe they can continue to count on community support.
"Any support [the community] can give us, letting our team know, that they care about wildlife rehabilitation services. They want us in this community. They want to see us grow. we are always appreciative of that," said Garrigan.
More information on West Shore Wildlife Center's mission or how to donate can be found on their website.