It’s time to look back on 2013! Check our blog between Christmas and New Year’s for a variety of stories and memories of 2013 from the staff, students, and volunteers of the Wildlife Center.
My favorite story from 2013 at the Wildlife Center of Virginia is the construction of enclosures for the rehabilitation of Black Bears. When it was said last year that black bear cubs had been euthanized in Virginia because there was no place for them to be rehabbed, I was heartbroken. My wish, along with those of many other supporters and staff, was that this would never have to happen again. A short time later, WCV announced plans for enclosures that could house many Black Bears who would later be released to live out their lives as wild bears.
During the past year, we have watched as 17 Black Bear cubs have grown from tiny little bears to very big bear cubs. We have watched as they have played and learned skills that will see them 
through the rest of their lives. I know I am not the only one who has fallen, head over heels, in love with these cubs, and look forward to the day when they will be given that second chance to be wild bears. We have participated in bear-a-thons, food donations, gala purchases, and purchased enough “I saved a Black Bear cub’s life” t-shirts to clothe the entire state of Virginia. Once again, we have made a difference, in partnership with WCV, DGIF, and other agencies involved in making this all happen. Whether you were able to donate, make a purchase, or help educate others, we helped make this possible. As the day draws nearer when this year’s cubs are released, know that this was all made possible because when people work together, mountains do move.
--MVK
Keep checking the Wildlife Center's blog for more year-end posts this week!
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