The Tucson Wildlife Center rescued nearly 450 animals just this year and its not looking to slow down anytime soon.
Lisa Bates, the center's executive director, says as the outside temperature gets hotter, the center experiences an increase in intake of rescued animals.
"We have seen an increase in the animal intakes, especially the little birds and bunnies, which we have an orphanage and an ICU just for them alone," Bates said.
Tucson Wildlife Center's founder says as the temperatures heat up, they are seeing an increase in intake of rescued animals @kgun9 pic.twitter.com/HlNiImsljR
— Priscilla KGUN9 (@PriscillaCasper) April 21, 2017
Bates explained with a fire at an animal rehab center on the northwest side earlier this month, the center will care for 500 more animals in addition to their typical 3,000 intakes per year.
She says another problem becoming more frequent this time of year is animals getting shot.
In the past four months, there have been eight confirmed cases of animals shot and three of those were in the last week, according to Bates.
Tucson Wildlife Center says already this year there have been 8 confirmed cases of animals being shot-- 3 of those in the last week @kgun9 pic.twitter.com/rDUVuIUjgP
— Priscilla KGUN9 (@PriscillaCasper) April 21, 2017
"Shootings are really deadly," she said. "All three of the migratory protective birds died because the bullets went through the chest and broke bones and it can be deadly, it's also very illegal," she said.
Bates says to gear up for the increase in rescued animals, the center is looking for more volunteers. To apply for a spot, click here for the application.
