MISSION STATEMENT

"Wild at Heart" is an all-voluteer organization dedicated to the conservation and preservation of Arizona's native wildlife through the rescue and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned birds of prey, relocation of displaced raptors, public education and habitat enhancement program.

TOUR - "SAM" & BOB FOX - FOUNDERS - WILD AT HEART - CAVE CREEK, AZ - PART 1

Date & Length: October 24, 2007; Part 1A - 211 secs, Part 1B - 251 secs, Part 1C - 258 secs; Part 1D - 245 secs

Link: www.mirror-pole.com/wild_at_heart/intro/wah_intro_fs.html

Stream: Click on Image to Play Video

TOUR - BOB FOX - FOUNDER - WILD AT HEART - CAVE CREEK, AZ - PART 2

Date & Length: October 24, 2007; Part 2A - 337 secs, Part 2B - 364 secs, Part 2C - 188 secs; Part 2D - 179 secs

Link: www.mirror-pole.com/wild_at_heart/intro/wah_intro_fs.html

Stream: Click on Image to Play Video

TOUR - BOB FOX - FOUNDER - WILD AT HEART - CAVE CREEK, AZ - PART 3

Date & Length: October 24, 2007; Part 3A - 299 secs, Part 3B - 244 secs, Part 3C - 278 secs; Part 3D - 102 secs

Link: www.mirror-pole.com/wild_at_heart/intro/wah_intro_fs.html

Stream: Click on Image to Play Video

ORGANIZATION HISTORY

Sam and Bob Fox have been involved in wildlife rehabilitation in Arizona since 1984. "Wild at Heart, Inc." (WAH) incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization in 1994. "Wild at Heart" does not receive any government funding for its rehabilitation efforts. Funding for "Wild at Heart" rehabilitation operations comes from individual and business donations and grants.

Due to Arizona's growing population and resultant habitat loss, the demand for "Wild at Heart" services increases every year. Today, the center has grown to include a cadre of volunteers, veterinarians and community supporters all sharing a vision of protecting and preserving Arizona's raptors.

"Wild at Heart" operates 7 days per week, 24 hours per day by responding to bird emergencies and requests for assistance from all members of the community. Phones are answered in person and the center often responds to situations not dealt with by other wildlife groups.

In 2006, "Wild at Heart" rescued and cared for over 600 raptors. In addition, countless quail, cactus wrens, woodpeckers, songbirds, baby rabbits, and other critters come our way yearly for temporary care until they can be transferred to other rehabbers specializing in those species.

THE BURROWING OWL PROJECT

This award-winning prototype program, conceived by WAH in 1993, has developed into the largest program ever attempted to rescue Burrowing Owls at risk from development and to relocated them to artificial burrow habitat. In Arizona, our Burrowing Owl Project is recognized as one of the most successful conservation and habitat restoration programs anywhere.

Working with Arizona Game and Fish - Research Branch, "Wild at Heart" is collabortating in an eight-year study to determine the effectiveness of the WAH habitat model for site selection and burrow placement, and to establish guidelines for use by other states and countries. One goal, establishing long-term Burrowing Owl breeding sites, has already been accomplished.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS

In addition to our educational outreach programs, on-site tours of the WAH facility are available to SCout troops, civic organizations, wildlife enthusiasts and others. Yearly, thousands of children and adults benefit from WAH's educational presentations created to raise awareness of the importance of migratory birds and wildlife in the ecology of our state. The programs are non-political in nature and encourage understanding, respect and compassion for wildlife and the environment.

WAH also offers innovative opportunities for community involvement especially designed for youths. Junior volunteers help at the center and youngsters throughout the state participate in WAH's Burrowing Owl Project. These activities help build leadership skills, job skills, self-esteem and confidence, all the while learning the importance of preserving our wildlife heritage and the value of being involved in their community.

ENDANGERED SPECIES RECOVERY PROGRAMS

The Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy Owl Captive Breeding Project

This is the first attempt to breed these tiny owls in captivity. Arizona Game and Fish has documented fewer than 20 known adults and fewer than five known nests in Arizona for the past three years. The CFPOs are at such low levels that, absent some sort of augmentation, this population is likely not self-sustaining. WAH has been entrusted to establish protocols and breed this owl species: we currently have our first five pairs of fledgling CFPOs here at the center. WAH in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the AZ Game and Fish Department will play a major role in bringing this owl population back from near extinction in Arizona.

Barn Owl Recovery

WAH's involvement has accelerated Barn Owl breeding and recovery programs in the eastern United States. Owls from WAH have helped to re-establish endangered Barn Owl populations in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York and other states.

FOSTER PARENT PROGRAM

WAH specializes in the foster parenting of orphaned and displaced nestling raptors. In 1990, Ms. Fox established the first bona fide foster parenting program in Arizona using a non-releasable barn owl. This program expanded to include other raptors and WAH's protocol, adopted by other rehab groups, is now standard operating procedure.

AWARDS

WAHs Burrowing Owl Project received an Award of Merit in Environmental Stewardship, SRP Award Category, at Valley Forward's 25th Annual Environmental Excellence Awards celebration. Valley Forward's Environmental Excellence Awards program is Arizona's oldest, largest and most presitigious environmental competition for significant contributions to the environment.

On November 3, 2006, WAH won the Metropolitan Pima Alliance Common Ground Award - Open Space Category. This was for WAH's Burrowing Owl Projects in Tucson and southern Arizona.

SUPPORT & DONATIONS

"Wild at Heart" needs the support of individuals like you who are concerned about our ever-decreasing wildlife and wildlife habitats.

WAH does not receive any government funding for rehabilitation. Donations are tax-deductible, and 100% of your donations go to the care of Arizona's magnificent birds of prey.

Volunteers are always needed . . . Donations welcome . . . Thank you!

WILD AT HEART

480-595-5047

31840 N. 45th Street, Cave Creek, AZ 85331

Non-profit Organization - Tax I.D. # EIN 86-0770883