12/14/2022
Second Chance Wildlife Center relies on donations to exist. The funds we receive in December help us determine how many animals we can help in the year ahead. Please consider a donation today. www.scwc.org
Second Chance Wildlife Center in Gaithersburg, MD
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- Second Chance Wildlife Center in Gaithersburg, MD
Providing compassionate, rehabilitative care to orphaned, ill and injured wild animals, and advising
SCWC is housed in an old Gaithersburg farmhouse surrounded by fields, woods, a marsh, and a stream. Several spacious flight cages, small mammal enclosures, and waterfowl pens are located on the adjacent lawns. Many recently released songbirds share the grounds with the permanent wild residents before moving on to establish their own niches in the surrounding fields and woods. Other animals are rel
eased back into their home territories or at special sites such as nature centers and animal sanctuaries that are protected for wildlife. Each year, concerned citizens bring thousands of native wildlife for medical treatment, attentive care, and release. Founded by Christine Montuori, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator since 1986, who trained as a volunteer at a wildlife center in Bowie and obtained her State and Federal wildlife rehabilitation permits in 1986 and 1988, respectively. Working out of her home, she cared for as many as 1,200 animals per year and incorporated as Second Chance Wildlife Center in 1995. In June of 1996, she moved the operation to its present location in Gaithersburg. The facility, owned by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, now treats an average 3,500 animals annually. SCWC rehabilitates orphaned, injured, and ill songbirds, raptors, waterfowl, squirrels, groundhogs, chipmunks, bats, rabbits, turtles, and a host of other native species. Our volunteer staff veterinarian performs surgical procedures on site as needed. We thoroughly test the animals before they are released to ensure that they have sufficient skills to survive in the wild. As a relatively new science, wildlife rehabilitation is a growing field. Innovations and advancements in care and treatment are constantly being made, and the staff and volunteers of SCWC keep abreast of these developments through networking with other rehabilitators; membership in state, national and international wildlife rehabilitation organizations; and attending conferences and training seminars. SCWC accepts admissions from 9:00AM to 5:00PM every day of the year. Staff, interns, and volunteers work 10 to 14 hours per day caring for patients during the busy spring and summer months. SCWC was accredited by the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council in 1997 and was awarded the Governor's Citation in October 1998. SCWC is a 501(c) non-profit organization and relies on public donations to continue its work. The average cost to rehabilitate a single wild animal is $100.00. Take some time to explore our web site to learn about what we do and how you can help us make a difference. NOTE: SCWC does not deal with domestic animals; for example feral/stray cats, domestic ducks, or "egg hatching projects". Please call your local Humane Society for issues concerning domestic animals.
Operating as usual
12/14/2022
Please remember Second Chance Wildlife Center as you consider holiday charitable giving. www.scwc.org
12/09/2022
This Garter Snake had been caught in a glue trap - an all too frequent occurrence for snakes. Luckily, the skilled hands of SCWC clinic techs carefully removed it from the trap, treated its wounds, and released it several weeks later. Please never try to remove a snake (or bird) from a glue trap yourself. This causes more harm than good. www.SCWC.org
12/06/2022
Four Pileated Woodpeckers have been admitted at SCWC thus far in 2022 - all suffering from impact injuries (having struck a window or after being struck by a car). These very vocal birds were the inspiration for the Woody Woodpecker cartoon character! www.scwc.org
12/06/2022
Opinion | How Wildlife Rescue Can Heal the Human Heart
Please take time to read this column about wildlife rehabilitation in today’s NY Times.
There is something in all of us that responds to the suffering of another living thing.
12/05/2022
Southern Flying Squirrels like this one don't fly like a bird, but they do glide from tree to tree or branch to branch. Their large eyes help these nocturnal critters see well in the dark. We have cared for 7 in 2022, including this orphaned baby. www.SCWC.org
11/28/2022
You have many worthy organizations to support on , we hope that you will include Second Chance Wildlife Center in Gaithersburg, MD. www.SCWC.org. On behalf of our precious patients, thank you.
11/22/2022
We care for over 100 different wildlife species each year, and we need to purchase and prepare fresh produce, nuts, fish, live insects, and more to feed them. Costs for all of these ingredients remain very high. Your donations will help us feed our precious patients. Thank you and happy Thanksgiving. www.SCWC.org
10/31/2022
Happy Halloween! Won't you TREAT our wildlife patients to a second chance at life in the wild? Donate today at www.SCWC.org.
09/21/2022
Second Chance is running very low on newspaper! If you have old papers and are able to bring them to our center (7101 Barcellona Drive, Gaithersburg) between 10am and 4pm any day of the week, a lot of little creatures will be grateful for their clean cages. If our team members are busy with animal care, please just leave them on the porch. Thanks so much!
08/09/2022
Our phones and internet are now back up and running. Thank you for your patience! And, hats off to our wonderful team for continuing to provide outstanding care and service during our many recent technical difficulties.
07/31/2022
Help the environment and Second Chance. Throughout August 2022, the Giant at 20944 Frederick Road in Germantown will donate $1 from every community shopping bag purchased to Second Chance Wildlife Center in Gaithersburg, MD. We are honored to have been selected. We also appreciate donations of Giant gift cards as we often have to buy fresh fruits and vegetables for our wildlife patients several times a week. They can be mailed or delivered to us at 7101 Barcellona Drive in Gaithersburg. THANK YOU!
07/13/2022
Once again, we are in need of BEACH TOWELS & LARGE bath towels. These can be dropped off in the box on our front porch any day of the week between 10am and 4pm. Please avoid towels with holes or frayed edges as animals can get entangled in these. Thanks in advance!
07/04/2022
We celebrate "Independence" Day every time we release a healthy animal back to the wild. Thanks to your support, we can celebrate all throughout each year! www.SCWC.org
06/28/2022
Hooray for our College Interns! Madison (Hood College) interned for us January-May and now volunteers. “It is so rewarding to help animals in need,” and used this experience to solidify her career path (“It’s been amazing!”). Here you see Madison with a baby squirrel and with the information board she presented to a panel of professors at the end of her internship. She passed with flying colors. Congratulations – and thank you – Madison! For more information about our college internship program, visit www.SCWC.org.
06/27/2022
Sometimes, when you're hungry, you dive right in! Your donations help us provide nutritious, species-specific food our patients! Costs are rising. If you are able, please donate today at www.SCWC.org. Thank you! photo: Intern Madison L.
06/23/2022
THANK YOU, GSA TROOP 2797. WE LOVE YOU! In April, the amazing members of Girl Scout Troop 2797 came to Second Chance Wildlife Center to present us with 700 baby bird nests they made from bathroom tissue, 7 wooden squirrel houses that they built as a group project, a wide array of household supplies, and $200 in gift cards that they collected at two education sessions that they presented in their community instructing people on how to help wildlife in need. From all their hard work, dedication, and educational outreach, they have now inspired other girls to help wildlife and to make an impact that pays it forward. For information on how your group can do something similar for our wildlife patients and the community, send an email to [email protected].
06/12/2022
WE ARE BACK OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 10am-4pm starting Monday June 13th! Thank you for your patience and kind words as we worked through a Covid outbreak among our wonderful team.
05/27/2022
There are no holidays in Wildlife Rehabilitation. Please consider honoring our staff and volunteers (who enable us to serve 365 days a year) with a donation in their honor at www.SCWC.org Thank you and be safe.
05/25/2022
Cuteness - and cuddles - overload. Your support helps keep wildlife babies warm, safe, well-fed, and well-cared for with the goal of releasing them back to the wild. www.SCWC.org
05/19/2022
Based on our 2022 admission statistics to-date, we are bracing for what could be our busiest Baby Season in years - perhaps our busiest ever!
Although our amazing clinic team is well-trained, passionate, and ready for the physical work ahead, we are very concerned about the rising costs of everything we will need to purchase in order to provide high-quality, species-specific, and life-saving care to all of our wildlife patients (babies, juveniles, and adults) in the months ahead.
Our handmade “baby” formulas - and our meals for juvenile and adult patients - include fresh, perishable ingredients we must purchase at grocery stores. Some patients require diets of fresh fish or live insects requiring special shipping. Upkeep of our enclosures requires hardware and building supplies. We need fuel to transport healthy animals for releases back to the wild (sometimes a one-hour drive back to where they were found). Antibiotics and other medications are essential. The list goes on.
As you have seen in the news, each of these things costs more today than last year and some are harder to find. With sky high admissions, we will need to purchase more of these things than we did last year and the year prior. The financial impact could be devastating to us and our patients. Even the small donation envelopes we usually send with this publication were unavailable due to supply chain issues, so we are using larger ones.
We hope that you will keep all of this in mind as you enjoy our Baby Season posts on Facebook. Your generous gifts, combined with our expert and loving care, are needed to save precious animal lives so that they may return to their intended roles in nature - and that is what our core mission is all about. We appreciate you and the opportunity to serve wildlife as only Second Chance can,
The Second Chance Wildlife Center Team
www.SCWC.org
05/16/2022
A Facebook friend asked for a simple video of a baby bird making natural sounds - without music or fancy visual effects. Here you go! Enjoy. www.scwc.org
05/14/2022
A gender reveal - Second Chance style! Drum roll, please... www.SCWC.org
05/13/2022
Print or grab a screenshot of these helpful charts. You never know when you might come across baby wildlife that might need rescuing! When in doubt, you can always call us (301-926-9453), email us ([email protected]), or visit our website (www.scwc.org). Share this post far and wide to help prepare others, too!
05/11/2022
When you support SCWC you are helping a wide array of animals in need - like this young Red-shouldered Hawk that was brought to us this week. www.scwc.org
05/07/2022
These adorable young birds were chirping up a storm at Second Chance Wildlife Center on their way to recovery and release!
05/06/2022
Feeding orphaned baby birds like these house finches requires a skilled hand. Imagine have to feed dozens of babies like this each day - many times each day! FYI - we only use the same syringe to feed multiple birds when they are from the same nest/family, and syringes are sterilized after each feeding. Your donations help us by the ingredients for formula, syringes, and more. www.scwc.org
05/05/2022
Volume up! Duckling feeding time is fast-paced and adorable. Enjoy!
05/03/2022
Don't wait until you find a baby rabbit or a rabbit's nest and then wonder what to do. This video will prepare you in advance! Volume up! Another Wildlife Baby Shower Tip from www.SCWC.org
05/02/2022
All this month we will be highlighting the skilled and compassionate care that our team provides to save the lives of injured and orphaned little ones. Please donate today and check our Facebook feed frequently for inspiring stories, photos, and videos. Thank you! www.SCWC.org
03/25/2022
Spring Cleaning? We are in need of beach towels, large bath towels, and king-size flat sheets for animal care and comfort as we head into our busiest time of year. These can be dropped off in the box on our front porch any day of the week between 10am and 4pm. Please avoid towels with holes or frayed edges as animals can get entangled in these. Thanks in advance!
02/14/2022
Today and every day, our hearts are full of love for wildlife and for our supporters who make it possible to provide injured, ill, and orphaned wild animals with the care they need. www.scwc.org
02/03/2022
If you or someone you know would be a great Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic Tech or Rescue Hotline & Patient Admissions Assistant, we are hiring! Job descriptions and the application process are posted on our website's CAREERS section: https://www.scwc.org/?page_id=686. Please share this post!
02/02/2022
At Second Chance Wildlife Center, any day might be a groundhog day!
01/16/2022
: Monday, 1-17-22. Join people all around the country by celebrating Betty White's birthday with a gift to your favorite animal welfare organization(s). And, please consider Second Chance Wildlife Center. Betty loved ALL animals and wanted them to be healthy and happy - just like we do. Donate today at www.scwc.org
01/07/2022
Due to dangerous road conditions, Second Chance is closed to the public today, Friday 1/7/22. Be safe and rest assured our patients are being cared for.
01/05/2022
Great job opportunities at Second Chance Wildlife Center under new Clinic Team Leadership! We're hiring full-time and part-time Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic Technicians. Click the link for the job posting and instructions. Animal Care Experience required. No phone calls, please. We need to keep lines open for wildlife emergencies.http://www.scwc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/SCWC-Clinic-Tech-Job-Posting-Jan-2022.pdf
12/30/2021
Year-end gifts play a large role in our planning and capabilities for the year ahead. Please consider a gift - or an additional gift - today. Thank you. We appreciate you. www.scwc.org
12/22/2021
Happy Holidays. We appreciate you. www.SCWC.org
12/12/2021
Our Holiday 2021 newsletter's theme is "Fragile Lives in Compassionate Hands." Click this link to enjoy 4 pages of photos & stories made possible by your support.http://www.scwc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/SCWC-Holiday-2021-NEWSLETTER-v1a.pdf
Address
7101 Barcellona Drive
Gaithersburg, MD
20879
Opening Hours
| Monday | 10am - 4pm |
| Tuesday | 10am - 4pm |
| Wednesday | 10am - 4pm |
| Thursday | 10am - 4pm |
| Friday | 10am - 4pm |
| Saturday | 10am - 4pm |
| Sunday | 10am - 4pm |
Telephone
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Videos
A Facebook friend asked for a simple video of a baby bird making natural sounds - without music or fancy visual effects. Here you go! Enjoy. www.scwc.org #wildlifebabyshower
A gender reveal - Second Chance style! Drum roll, please... www.SCWC.org
These adorable young birds were chirping up a storm at Second Chance Wildlife Center on their way to recovery and release!
Feeding orphaned baby birds like these house finches requires a skilled hand. Imagine have to feed dozens of babies like this each day - many times each day! FYI - we only use the same syringe to feed multiple birds when they are from the same nest/family, and syringes are sterilized after each feeding. Your donations help us by the ingredients for formula, syringes, and more. www.scwc.org
Volume up! Duckling feeding time is fast-paced and adorable. Enjoy!
Don't wait until you find a baby rabbit or a rabbit's nest and then wonder what to do. This video will prepare you in advance! Volume up! Another Wildlife Baby Shower Tip from www.SCWC.org
Volume Up! Our Online Wildlife Baby Shower Continues with one of our most popular videos from the recent past: Baby Squirrel Yoga. Enjoy - and please give if you are able. We have over 150 baby animals in our care today needing individualized care. www.scwc.org
FOUND A RABBIT'S NEST?
A Classic Holiday Season SCWC Release
Vulture Release
Gender Reveal
Found a rabbit's nest?
Baby Squirrel Yoga?
Feeding Frenzy at SCWC
The goose swallowed...WHAT?!
Chimney Swifts - Sights & Sounds of Second Chance Wildlife Center
Second Chance Sights & Sounds-Blue Jay and Robin
Feb 2019 SCWC Vulture Release
Found a Rabbit's Nest?
Baby Squirrel Yoga?
One Giant Leap
Geese in pool
Red-shouldered Hawk Fledgling
Shortcuts
Category
Nearby arts & entertainment
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20879
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Washington D.C. 20037
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Airpark Road
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Airpark Road
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Lindbergh Drive
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Muncaster Road, Derwood
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Woodfield Road
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Threading/waxing/ and henna tattoo
Marketree Cir, Montgomery Village -
Woodfield Road
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Laytonsville Road, Laytonsville
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Mount Airy 21771
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Bonanza Way
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First Street, Laytonsville
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Muncaster Road, Derwood
Other Gaithersburg arts & entertainment
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Crown Park Avenue -
E Diamond Avenue
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Grovemont Cir
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Miss Chianti's Dance School Of Maryland
N Frederick Avenue -
20877
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Center Point Way
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Shady Grove Road
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Washingtonian Boulevard
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Brookes Avenue
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Gaither Road
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20878
Comments
Congratulations on your 25 years of service to the animal ecosystem.!
Can you please advise on safe deer fence or similar? I know that bird netting is unsafe for snakes and other animals that get caught.
I need something cheap and flexible to easily and quickly make a lot of cages for my native plants that I plant in the wild for habitat restoration. Deer pressure is really bad.
Chicken wire is too time consuming and not flexible enough. Is there are any flexible, cheap plastic type netting that I can wrap around stakes that’s not going to trap anything?
I need something cheap and flexible to easily and quickly make a lot of cages for my native plants that I plant in the wild for habitat restoration. Deer pressure is really bad.
Chicken wire is too time consuming and not flexible enough. Is there are any flexible, cheap plastic type netting that I can wrap around stakes that’s not going to trap anything?
Money is very tight these days, but we are reminded daily that there is a need for help in the world...for humans and creatures both big and small. So today, I am sharing out some of the money that I would have spent on my beloved Linda Eder concert that was Covid Cancelled (because we need our dear performers to stay safe too!). This sweet video was shared by Linda on her page, kind of an illiustration of her trying to save baby birds in her barn stories,, so Second Chance Wildlife , please save some baby birds for "Our Linda".💖
Can anyone help me identify this creature? Fox with mange or adolescent Coyote? It's been visiting our busy development and I'm not sure what to. Thank you!
Good morning! I'm not sure if someone checks the FB page or not, but we have a mourning dove with a wounded wing (possibly dislocated). We've done all we can for the dove, so we're hoping to find a place for professional care. Please contact me if you're able to help.
Found a fledgling in the middle of my yard, no nest around.. my dogs will kill it. Not sure what I can do
FYI for those who may have missed this publication Pet Ag, the company that makes Esbilac puppy formula, has recently stated that the form of calcium used in Esbilac is not well-absorbed by small mammals. This has led to severe MBD and deaths in neonate squirrels, possums, and other wildlife that were fed Esbilac. Therefore, we no longer recommend feeding Esbilac.If you have questions, call us at 321-626-1897.
22nd Nov 2019 The recommendation for formula now is 3 tablespoons goat milk
3 tablespoons plain yogurt
2 tablespoons heavy cream
½ egg yolk Problems with Esbilac
22nd Nov 2019 The recommendation for formula now is 3 tablespoons goat milk
3 tablespoons plain yogurt
2 tablespoons heavy cream
½ egg yolk Problems with Esbilac
Is anyone available to talk to? I have a baby rabbit that may or may not need attention. My pups were outside playing when they spotted the rabbit. I don’t believe they bit it as I haven’t seen any blood. But they trampled the poor little guy. He was crying and shrieking. I got the pups inside and checked the rabbit. I gloved up and checked him for any injuries. As I said no blood but he may have internal injuries. I tried calling your number but no one is there. The rabbit is sitting on my walk way. I’m watching him to see if he’ll run away. I don’t want to leave him out here defenseless if he’s injured. Please if anyone reads this. Could you advise me on what I should do. I’m hoping he’s just spooked and he’ll come to and take off. How long should I wait before I intervene further?
Can someone raise this baby?? We are in Frederick, found him in the road.
Hello, one of the goslings at our pond has just started developing angel wing. I am concerned for him. Is there anyone who can help? I realize it may not be co sided a priority since it is a deformity rather than an injury, but I would be so sad for him if he couldn't fly or escape from predators. My understanding is that it can be treated with simple wrapping of the wing and save him a lifetime of trouble. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
It’s day 2 and the fawn is still there. I don’t know if you all could help it but I can’t seem to get through to anyone to help the poor thing.
There’s a baby deer over at Saint Mary’s Rockville under a tree in the cemetery. It doesn’t look well. Please help