Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Marr.
Hi Mary, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Camp Wildernest Wildlife Center started about ten years ago. Our founder, Sherry Teas, rescued an American Robin after a bad storm left him in her yard. She tried to locate someone locally who could help with the tiny songbird and found that there was no one in the Chattanooga area rehabbing songbirds at that time. She did come in contact with several other area wildlife rehabbers, and became friends with them. One of these was Alix Parks, who was able to help Sherry get started on her own journey to saving wildlife. Alix, of Happinest, is well known in the area for her work with raptors. We have been growing – in size and numbers- each year since that first little bird!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Our founders, Sherry and Jeff Teas, are people of great faith. The road to start and run any wildlife center is not easy, but they get through it all by hard work and prayer. Struggles over the years have included raising money, finding the right volunteers for this type of work, and always learning more and more about the birds (and turtles and chipmunks) in our care. Currently we are in the process of raising extensive funding to renovate a house which will be our new building, so, much like renovations in any home, there are challenges from the power to the plumbing and everything in between.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Camp Wildernest is a wonderful resource for the community. This area is brimming with natural wildlife, and when they need care we are the best place to start! Our primary focus is on songbirds, but we also take turtles, small reptiles, and small mammals. If someone needs help with an animal that is not on our list, we also partner with several other local wildlife rescues that we will refer them to. We monitor various online spaces to assist with finding transport or other types of help as needed. We are most proud of our yearly high success rates – which we measure by the numbers of animals released back into their natural habitat! What sets us apart is Sherry’s neverending faith, patience, and knowledge of all things wildlife. We also recruit, train, and rely on an army of volunteers to assist with the day to day work of caring of these animals.
How do you think about happiness?
As just one member of the team, I would say happiness for me while volunteering is when something I know I can do for an animal will bring comfort or healing. For example, being a caretaker at the Center is similar to working in a hospital setting. You’re always looking out for changes in the animals in your care, and if they need to be cleaned or bathed or a better or different setup in their aviary or small environment. It takes time and patience to learn the different birds and other animals and what their needs are, and how to help them in their recuperation. I have been a volunteer for about 8 years. Over that time, I have learned so much! And been part of so many cool rescues, and medical miracles for wildlife! Many of the animals come to us with pretty serious injuries, but ones that can heal with time and care. Being in the presence of humans can add to their stress, but another thing that makes me happy at the Center is how we all try to create a calm atmosphere for the little “patients” in our care.
Pricing:
- We gladly accept donations.
- Please contact Jeff Teas directly to offer help with our renovations! 423-593-3932
Contact Info:
- Website: https://campwildernest.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/campwildernestwildlife/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/campwildernest
