The public will have an opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the area’s native wildlife when the Stanislaus Wildlife Care Center hosts its annual Baby Animal Shower.

Scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 30, the wildlife center will be opening its doors to the public and providing information about the many creatures that find refuge at the facility. A number of animals will be on display and there will be children’s activities and refreshments.

Visitors will have a chance to meet the center’s volunteers and employees, the people who care for the more than 2,000 injured and orphaned animals admitted each year. Also, visitors will get a chance to meet the center’s animal ambassadors, animals that couldn't be released and now live at the SWCC. The goal for nearly every bird, reptile, or mammal is to release them back into their natural habitat, though some, through circumstances, find permanent homes at the center. Many of these animals travel to schools to help students learn about California native wildlife.

Just like other baby showers, the wildlife center is hoping that guests will come with presents in hand. Spring is just beginning, and the center is just starting to admit baby songbirds, squirrels, coyotes, opossums, hawks and owls. Every day, more and more animals come in.

Items that are most in need by the center are:

·         Paper towels

·         Puppy pads

·         Postage stamps

·         Receiving blankets,

·         Dawn dishwashing liquid

·         Playtex dish washing gloves (small and medium)

·         HE liquid laundry soap

·         Money and volunteers

The Stanislaus Wildlife Care Center started in 1984, which makes this the center’s 38th year. The center is completely supported by donations. The Wildlife Center is located inside Fox Grove Fishing Access, 1220 Geer Rd. For more information, visit: www.stanislauswildlife.org.