In 1987 Nancy and Peter Gruchawka went forward with a dream to build a wild animal rescue facility in Northern California.  This endeavor started in their home in Kenwood, just a few miles outside of Santa Rosa and in the middle of the wine country.  Due to the fact that Sonoma County was becoming  more and more populated by humans, there was a great need to focus on the quickly disappearing animal habitats near their own front yard.

          After the extensive protocol of becoming a Non-Profit organization; then requesting permits from the Fish and Game Department and completing several classes on wild animal rehabilitation the Wildlife Center was ready to go into action.

         In the mid 1990's the Center was able to move into it's new location in the forested area of Kenwood.  This facility is still the Wildlife Center's home. Two rehabilitation barns have been used to house large birds so that they can begin get exercise and practice flying before their big release day.  When they are finally ready, the door to the barn is opened and they are free to go.  Rehabbers continue putting out food in the opened barn just as before in case life becomes too rough for the newly released birds and they can return for shelter and dinner.

                With the help of other selfless people, thousands of animals have been rescued, rehabilitated and released back into the wild. In many instances the cause of illness was researched and reported to appropriate authorities.  In the cases of eagles landing on the same high wires and being electrocuted, the power company was confronted and changes were made. Through the education department, countless children and adult organizations have been made more aware of the fragility of the wild animals that still survive.

                  Now in 2007, founders Nancy and Peter are making plans to re-locate to their dream property in Mendocino County. The new Board of Directors consists of the perfect people to continue rescue and rehabilitation.

Dr. Howard Rosner, DVM

       Dr. Howard Rosner is a local veterinarian from the town of Sonoma.  He joined the Wildlife Center as a board member in January 2007.  He has practiced in Sonoma for 15 years at the Sonoma Veterinary Clinic.  He has always enjoyed working with domestic companion animals and birds and exotic pets as
well.  He has worked with all kinds of wild animals from orphaned baby birds to injured deer, and other larger mammals.  His experience includes working at the SF Zoo and the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, as well as wild animal parks in Florida.  He graduated from the University of Florida in 1988.  He has remained committed to wildlife care and conservation, and is very excited to be a part of the team at the Wildlife Center in Kenwood.  His interests include both international wildlife conservation as well as local wildlife awareness and rehabilitation.

     Dr. Rosner has generously offered the use of his clinic and staff to receive, evaluate, and treat rescued animals.

    Michael Knight  is a long time Sonoma County resident, interested in animal welfare and experienced with long term projects providing development of much needed wetlands.

      Janet Barth brought her extensive rehabilitation and rescue organization management expertise from her home in next door Napa County. Janet and the Wildlife Center are now expanding  the non-profit Habitats for Hooters  program to Sonoma County.