Northern Colorado Wildlife Center (NCWC) proudly announces a transformative milestone: in 2024, the organization has cared for over 2,400 wild animals at its pioneering wildlife hospital in Fort Collins. Representing more than 130 species, these animals include birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians—each treated with NCWC’s specialized, compassionate care and given the chance to return to their natural habitats.
This year’s numbers reflect a remarkable growth in NCWC’s impact. In 2022, before opening its current facility, NCWC was only able to care for 58 animals. By 2023, that number jumped to 1,392 patients, and in 2024, NCWC’s enhanced capacity has allowed it to admit 2,400 animals. Thanks to an investment of over $500,000 in resources, infrastructure, and specialized training, NCWC has become a critical pillar for wildlife rehabilitation in Colorado, filling a vital gap in regional animal care and public education.
The success of NCWC extends far beyond numbers. Before NCWC’s facility was established, the majority of these animals would have faced automatic euthanasia, particularly due to factors like species and age. NCWC’s licensed wildlife rehabilitators have effectively ended this practice, offering life-saving intervention to animals that once had little chance of survival. These are animals that would have been lost to euthanasia just three or four years ago, and they are now returned to the wild—enhancing Colorado’s biodiversity and enriching the communities in which they live.
“These animals would have been overlooked, and many would have been euthanized under previous systems just three or four years ago,” said Tallon Nightwalker, Director of NCWC. “Thanks to the support of our community and the dedication of our team, we’re giving them a real second chance at life. Every successful release is a powerful reminder of our mission to protect wildlife and inspire conservation-minded coexistence across Colorado.”
In addition to providing wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, NCWC is deeply committed to community engagement. With its on-site classroom, NCWC has reached over 7,500 individuals this year through workshops, school programs, and community events. The organization’s wildlife emergency hotline has managed over 4,000 calls, offering guidance on humane and effective responses to human-wildlife encounters. NCWC’s outreach efforts aim to foster a culture of coexistence and conservation in Colorado, helping the public understand and responsibly interact with the state’s unique wildlife.
NCWC operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and relies entirely on donations and community support to sustain its work. Each year, the demand for its services continues to grow, as more animals are impacted by human-wildlife conflict, habitat loss, and injury. Support from the community has been instrumental in meeting these challenges, funding critical needs like medical supplies, food, facility maintenance, and training for the NCWC team.
For more information on Northern Colorado Wildlife Center, or to support the center’s life-saving work with a donation, please visit www.nocowildlife.org.