Funded by private donations, W.E.R.C. is both an acute care facility for sick and injured wildlife, and a nurturing center for orphaned wildlife too young to survive on their own. W.E.R.C. operates as a temporary refuge for wildlife, for the organization's goal is not to tame, but to release the animals back into their native habitat healthy, wild, and free.
Wildlife rehabilitation is an evolving science.
Due to diverse requirements in care, feeding, handling, and physical therapy, it is a process requiring skill, training, and continuing education. With its dedicated team of staff and volunteers, W.E.R.C. has been recognized as meeting these requirements. It is the only facility in South Santa Clara County licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In addition to caring for native wildlife, W.E.R.C. provides many ancillary services critical to the preservation of native wildlife and of assistance to our human community co-existing within their habitat. Special emphasis is placed on educating children about the importance of wildlife safety, habitat preservation, wilderness awareness, and our ability to co-exist with native wildlife.