The aftermath of Hurricane Helene left the Georgia Southern Center for Wildlife Education in disarray. Fortunately, the center reopened on Jan. 6. Over the last few months, staff have worked tirelessly to restore the Wildlife Center to its glorious purpose.
Today I journeyed into the sanctuary and had the opportunity to speak with Carson Woods, an Education Assistant here at the Wildlife Center. She answered my questions regarding what the sanctuary went through during Hurricane Helene.
Woods explained the Wildlife Center sustained damage to walkways and an outdoor classroom due to fallen trees.
“We had a lot of old wooden walkways, so we had to get all those boardwalks replaced in order for it to be safe for visitors to come back. Thankfully, everything is all back on track and we have reopened.”
Fortunately, Georgia Southern provided contractors to the Wildlife Education Center to clean up the debris, “They helped us a lot, and since there was just so much on campus, it was a hard job,” Woods said.
Of course, with my fellow animal lovers out there, I had to ask how the animals in the sanctuary were doing. “Thankfully, it didn’t affect them that much. We had a lot of protocols in place for things when these things happen, to make sure they’re all safe and well taken care of. Now they’re finally getting back on their routines with flight shows,” Woods said.
Also, with the unexpected snow, I had to ask how the animals reacted. “They were confused. We brought them all in to make sure they were nice and warm. We did take a couple of owls outside to look around, and they just looked so confused,” Woods chuckled.
If you’re wondering what you can do to help out the Wildlife Center, whether it’s volunteering or perhaps picking up a job, you are in luck. The Wildlife Center is hiring student workers right now!
If you are interested in volunteering, follow this link.
Visit the Georgia Southern Wildlife Center today! Student admission is free with university faculty and staff.
Their hours are Monday-Friday 9:00 A.M. – 4:45 P.M. Saturday: 1:00 P.M. – 4:45 P.M.
“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature, it will never fail you.” -Frank Lloyd Wright.