07/23/2026
Over the last 4 years, I've worked hard to make sure I never had to say this.
But today...
I'm worried.
Since opening our Wildlife Hospital in Douglas County, we've cared for nearly 5,000 injured, orphaned, and sick wild animals. Every spring, we prepare ourselves for busy season because we know it's coming. We know June will be our busiest intake month of the year. We know hundreds of lives will arrive at our doors hungry, dehydrated, injured, or separated from their mothers.
We plan for it. We save for it. We stretch every dollar as far as we possibly can. This year, though, everything costs more.
We expected rising expenses and planned for them, but the reality has been overwhelming.
Gas prices have increased the cost of every rescue and transport. Food costs continue to climb. Medical supplies that once fit comfortably within our budget now cost significantly more. Specialized formulas, medications, syringes, bandaging materials, cleaning supplies, and the basic feed required to keep hundreds of wild patients alive have all become dramatically more expensive.
And unlike many expenses, wildlife doesn't wait until we're financially ready. They simply need us when they need us.
Every patient admitted still depends on us. Many will remain in our care for months before they're strong enough to return to the wild. Some patients, like our Golden Eagle and bobcats, will stay with us for over a year.
At the same time, Colorado's wildfire season is beginning to take its toll. We're the largest facility south of the Denver metro area, and we’re already seeing an increase in wildlife displaced, injured, and affected by smoke and fire. We know more are coming.
This year, we have spent more than $60,000 beyond what we've brought in, and we've reached a point where we need our community.
If Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance has ever helped you reunite a baby animal with its mother, returned a soaring hawk to the Colorado sky, inspired your child to care about wildlife, or reminded you that every wild life has value...
Please help.
Your support means that when the next call comes, we can continue to say yes and answer it.
The wildlife of Colorado cannot ask for help. So today, we're asking on their behalf. Thank you for believing that every wild life is worth saving. www.rmwalliance.org/donate
With gratitude,
Emily M. Davenport, CWR, RVT
Founder & Executive Director
Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance
