Vida Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center

Success Stories

Why Wild Raptors Are Not Pets: A Cooper’s Hawk’s Story

Recently, we received a call that perfectly illustrates both the danger of illegal wildlife possession and the power of doing the right thing. A Cooper’s Hawk was discovered tangled in a tree, hanging upside down and unable to free himself. A kind and observant family...

From Rescue to Release

This beautiful Cooper’s hawk recently came into our care after suffering head trauma that left her with a mild concussion. She was found grounded and disoriented classic signs that something wasn’t right. After a few days of care she is now ready to go back to the...

A Second Chance for a Swainson’s Hawk

This incredible Swainson’s Hawk came to us from MCAS Yuma in critical condition severely emaciated, weak, and unable to stand on her own. Thanks to quick action and compassionate care, she was given the chance she desperately needed. Over the course of two months, our...

Common Loon Rescue

Rescue Story: A Common Loon in Yuma! Last week we received an unusual call, a Common Loon had crash-landed right here in Yuma, AZ. Loons need water to take off and land, and this one was fooled by a road mirage, mistaking the shimmering heat for a lake. When he...
From Nestlings to the Night Sky: The Release of Two Great Horned Owls

From Nestlings to the Night Sky: The Release of Two Great Horned Owls

At Vida Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center, every patient has a story, and the recent release of two great horned owls marks the end of a remarkable chapter in their journey back to the wild. Both owls came to us as young, downy nestlings, each under...

Rising with the Wind: The Story of a Resilient Red-Tailed Hawk

Rising with the Wind: The Story of a Resilient Red-Tailed Hawk

In the peak of summer, when desert temperatures soared above 110 degrees, we received a call about a young red-tailed hawk found grounded and struggling in the heat. He was weak, panting, and dangerously dehydrated, his feathers ruffled and eyes dull. The intense sun...

A Second Chance: The Story of a Great Horned Owl

A Second Chance: The Story of a Great Horned Owl

One spring morning, we received a call about two young great horned owls that had fallen from their nest high in a tree. The nest had been dislodged by strong winds during a storm the night before. Sadly, one of the owlets did not survive the fall. But miraculously,...

The Flight to Freedom

The Flight to Freedom

The three Cooper’s Hawk nestlings were found in the middle of a busy park in El Centro, California. With no protection and unable to fly, the young raptors were in grave danger. The bustling park was filled with people, dogs, and prowling cats, any of which could harm...

A New Purpose for a Red-Shouldered Hawk

A New Purpose for a Red-Shouldered Hawk

At Vida Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center, every animal that comes through our doors has a unique story. Some find healing and return to the wild, while others take a different path—one that allows them to inspire and educate people about the importance of...

Support Vida Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center

Help Us Make a Difference!

At Vida Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center, we are dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured and orphaned wildlife, while also providing educational programs that inspire future generations to appreciate and protect nature. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we rely entirely on the generosity of donors like you to continue our vital work. Your donation is not only a gift to the animals in our care, but it is also an investment in conservation, education, and a better future for wildlife.

Every dollar you contribute goes directly toward providing food, medical treatment, shelter, and enrichment for the animals we rehabilitate. It also helps us expand our educational outreach, ensuring that children and community members gain a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting our local wildlife. Your support allows us to maintain and improve our facilities, purchase necessary medical supplies, and provide expert care to the animals who need it most.