LIMINGTON, Maine — Saco River Wildlife Center in Limington has announced phase two of an expansion project, after outgrowing its current facility. Renovations on a new property are underway, but the wildlife center said they need the public's help with donations.
Treating Maine's ill, injured, and orphaned wildlife since 2015, Director Lauren Kennedy said the demand for their services has "skyrocketed" this year and a larger facility is a necessity— having treated over 880 furry patients this year alone.
The center currently performs intakes, medical treatments, food prep, and more, out of founder Bethany Brown's basement.
Kennedy said the number of animals they have at the facility at any given time, fluctuates throughout the year depending on the season. She said summertime is "baby season," when animals may have been abandoned by their mother's. Kennedy said this time of year the animals they see are often ones hit by cars or suffering from mange—a parasitic skin disease.
Having outgrown Brown's basement, Kennedy said they purchased a house in Limington last April. To help with general operating costs she said the center has already raised $90,000, but hopes to raise another $250,000 for renovations.
"The new facility we have purchased and are in the middle of renovating is an actual house. And prior to this it was a sanctuary for wolf rehabilitation. Which is really amazing that we are continuing on that legacy of rehabilitation and really helping wildlife and animals," Kennedy said.
Expansion details
(According to the Saco River Wildlife Center's website)
Phases One: COMPLETED
- Clearing out the home
- Inspections + estimates
Phase Two (Current):
- Foundation work
- Renovations
Renovation Details:
- Insulation installation
- Sheet rocking the walls and ceilings
- Electrical wiring
- HVAC
- Making the bathroom fully functional, including a shower
- Piping for water supply
The new property is located at 57 Christian Hill Road in Limington and sits on 16 acres of land.
To donate or for more information, click here.