Carolina Wildlife Center

08/25/2026

Disclaimer:
Please note that we do not normally admit exotic animals. This is a special case that required immediate medical attention on a Saturday evening.
The owners have been contacted and have made the decision to surrender the tortoise to our care.

This past Saturday a Sulcata Tortoise was brought to our facility after escaping its enclosure and being hit by a car. The injuries are quite severe, including a large portion of the shell missing which has exposed vital organs and compromised the spine.

Thankfully our amazing team is well trained in triage and were able to act quickly to administer medications and provide intensive care. Less than 24 hours later, a long time supporter provided an almost perfect 3D-printed makeshift shell to protect the organs. Although prognosis remains guarded we have hope.

As tragic as this is, it sadly is becoming way too familiar. Almost a year to the day we admitted OzzC the Burmese Mountain Tortoise who also escaped and was hit by a car. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of secure enclosures especially for burrowing species. Sulcatas are the 3rd largest tortoise species in the world and expert bulldozers. They are built to dig and can excavate at an alarming rate. Caring for them is a massive longterm commitment that requires specialized care to maintain. Please do not be fooled by the cute little babies being sold at flea markets. They grow up quick and at no fault of their are designed to be destructive.

Please send healing vibes to this precious soul as he fights for his life

08/18/2026

Your eyes are not playing tricks on you. What you are seeing is, in fact, an albino gray squirrel. We were just as surprised when we opened the box.

This stunning little guy came to us over the weekend suffering from an upper respiratory infection and an injured eye. We are happy to announce that he has responded well to treatment and is doing great.

He will be non-releasable due to his limited sight and inability to camouflage. While we have not made any definite plans yet, there is a good possibility he will join our family of ambassadors.

08/04/2026

Here's how you can help CWC today!
🎁Set up a recurring donation: https://carolinawildlife.org/donate/
🫶Volunteer: email [email protected]
💪Support the team: Ship to/drop off at 5551 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212
🐦Send animal care supplies: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1EJH9UMUTW35F/?ref_=lol_ov_le
🍓Assist with groceries: email [email protected]

Your contribution supports the rehabilitation and preservation of native wildlife. Thank you!

07/23/2026

07/16/2026

Important update from our center!

The Center is staying open with your support, thank you from the bottom of our hearts and on behalf of our animal patients!

Below is a letter from our Executive Director, providing answers and transparency.

We surpassed our funding goal of $75,000 in one day, absolutely incredible!

07/02/2026

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Before deciding to care for an exotic animal, please research what it takes to provide proper care.

We recently admitted a juvenile River Cooter that was severely neglected and subsequently released to fend for itself. Whether this turtle was taken from the wild or purchased through the pet trade, we are saddened by the significant pain it endured before being found.

To an untrained eye, a turtle with a uniquely shaped shell might look "unusual" or like a "new breed." In reality, this is a case of severe Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD), a direct result of improper care during the turtle's developmental years. MBD is extremely painful; it causes bones to twist unnaturally, leading to internal organ pressure and fractures. In this case, neglect resulted in a severely curved shell and deformed hind legs.

MBD is not reversible. The damage done will affect this animal for the rest of its life. However, there is hope; with proper care, we can stop the progression of the disease.

Please keep this little one in your thoughts. He/she didn't deserve this and should have never been forced into this senerio.

06/27/2026

Aerial insectivore season is in full swing here at the Nest. Animals within this group encompass a varierty of species including birds and mammals. All of which are exceptional aerialists, named for their ability to catch and eat insects while in flight. Often referred to as eating "on the wing".

The center is currently caring for a wide variety of these species, including Big Brown Bat, Evening Bat, Purple Martin, Barn Swallow, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Great-crested Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Kingbird, Chimney Swift, and the adorable nestling Mississippi Kite pictured below.

With so many aerial insectivores in our care, we are going through several hundred thousand insects each month. If you would like to help us keep bellies full, please consider donating through our Amazon wishlist:

Any amount of support is greatly appreciated.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1EJH9UMUTW35F?ref_=list_d_wl_ys_list_1

06/26/2026

They grow up too fast! The little nestling Black-crowned Night Heron admitted a few weeks ago went from a fluffy baby with mere pin feathers to a fully feathered juvenile.

Despite growing up, he is still sporting that rather cool hairdo. Much like puppy breath, that incredible set of locks will fade as he continues to mature. For now, he still holds the title for the best hairdo among rehab patients 🏆

06/15/2026

The center is currently caring for four different species of baby birds of prey. One of which is this adorable baby Great Horned Owl being kissed by a rainbow.

With so many birds of prey in care, we are going through hundreds of rodents a week and boy are they not cheap.

Thankfully our supplier of rodents has us listed as a charity on their website which makes gifting a meal or two to these magnificent birds super easy. If you have the means and would like to donate towards our next order follow the link below. Any help is greatly appreciated!

https://rodentpro.com/Charities/DonateToCharity/carolina-wildlife-care

06/08/2026

The award for the coolest hairdo goes to this recently admitted nestling Black-crowned Night Heron 🏆

This rather charming fellow came in after being found on the ground. Thankfully, the finders acted quickly and followed instruction on how to determine if the nesting was truly an oprhan or was a candidate for renesting. In this case, renesting was not advised as he was found to be severely dehydrated and underweight.

We are happy to report that he is doing great and has quite the appetite. After several rounds of fluids, he is averaging 1/2 dozen silversides every two hours.