HOWL – THE Howell Nature Center will reopen its wildlife rehabilitation clinic after a rush of financial support from the community.

Tina Bruce, CEO of the Howell Nature Center, told The Daily on Tuesday that the organization raised $100,998 in the past week. This exceeds the goal of $100,000, double the originally announced goal of $50,000.

“I get goosebumps thinking about it,” Bruce said. “Having the community rally behind us and support the Howell Nature Center shows how important the work we do here is.

The organization was forced to close its wildlife rehabilitation clinic to new patients after rising costs and lack of funds exhausted the budget for 2024.

The nonprofit treats more than 2,000 animals a year, totaling more than 100 different species, according to a social media post. The center also has a Wild Wonders wildlife park, created to house approximately 75 injured “wildlife ambassadors” for life.

There are plans to use the additional funding to replace laid-off staff in the coming months, Bruce said.

The Howell Nature Center will continue to seek donations to support its operations. 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.

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As a thank you, Wild Wonders Wildlife Park will have free admission on Saturday, Nov. 23, Bruce said. Another recognition day is planned for the spring.

“We just want to thank the community,” Bruce said.

Bruce confirmed that the park itself never closed.

Bruce has previously 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 Black Friday.

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 raises $100,000 to reopen Wildlife Clinic