HOWL — The Howell Nature Center risks losing more than a wildlife rehabilitation clinic if donations don’t improve: It could lose the Wild Wonders wildlife park or even close altogether.

CEO Tina Bruce told The Daily the organization raised about $5,000 on Monday, Nov. 11, toward a $50,000 goal for reopen the rehabilitation clinic in November and December. It costs about $1,000 a day to operate the clinic, including medical supplies, staff and overhead.

Officials say this year has been particularly difficult for health care providers. The Howell Nature Center processes more than 2,000 animals per year, totaling more than 100 different species, according to a social media post. But rising prices for food, medical supplies, utilities and construction costs have depleted the center’s budget for the year.

More: Howell Nature Center seeks donations to reopen Wildlife Rehab Clinic in 2024

The Wild Wonders Wildlife Park, meanwhile, was created to house approximately 75 life-injured “wildlife ambassadors,” who teach visitors the benefits of each species and how to coexist in harmony.

Both programs, as well as the organization’s future, are in jeopardy — despite the success of an annual fundraiser last week at the Chemung Hills Golf Club and Banquet Center. The reason the clinic is closed, Bruce said, is because those funds are being diverted to meet other needs.

“We’ve had to lay off some employees because the situation is unfortunately so dire right now,” Bruce said.

The Howell Nature Center is a non-profit organization and does not receive any federal or state funding. He makes an end-of-year appeal every year and “looks beyond” what he usually receives, Bruce said. She is also looking for grants.

Laura Butler, senior director of wildlife and education at Howell Nature Center, acknowledges it has been difficult.

“We are seeing a general increase in prices, but, at the same time, our donations have decreased significantly,” Butler said.

About 70 percent of the clinic’s animal patients have suffered from human-wildlife conflicts, Butler said. Species they currently care for include birds of prey, squirrels, songbirds, a gray fox, field mice and much more. Butler said their care was not compromised.

“We really strive to teach people how to live in harmony with wildlife so that we can coexist without causing harm to them,” Butler said.

Bruce described the Howell Nature Center as a “staple” in the community, adding that it serves as a place for local students and the public to experience nature.

It has already been a difficult year for the center, which saw the death of a 12-year-old visiting student after a tree fell. hit him in september.

Bruce said the public can support the organization by donating and attending events including Winter at Hogwarts, Breakfast with Santa and the Green Friday Christmas Tree Sale on Friday black.

Anyone interested in supporting the clinic can make a donation online at howellnaturecentergiving.campbraingiving.com. Donations can also be mailed to 1005 Triangle Lake Road, Howell, MI 48843.

Learn more about howellnaturecenter.org.

— Contact reporter Evan Sasiela at [email protected]. Follow him on @SalsaEvan.

This article was originally published on Livingston Daily: Howell Nature Center’s financial problems extend beyond Wildlife Clinic