Our Mission
Our Animal Awareness Program educates students on local wildlife conservation, human-wildlife interactions, and responsible animal care. This program has two key components: Animal Awareness, which focuses on wildlife protection and rehabilitation, and Animal Advocates, which provides hands-on experience in caring for rescued domestic animals. Through partnerships with the Stanislaus Wildlife Center, students learn about wildlife rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation. In the Animal Advocates initiative, participants develop practical skills in husbandry, feeding, habitat maintenance, and responsible animal welfare. These experiences help students gain critical thinking, teamwork, and real-world animal care knowledge, preparing them for future roles in conservation, zoology, and veterinary sciences.
Animal Awareness
The Animal Awareness Program helps students explore the world of wildlife conservation, human–wildlife interactions, and responsible animal care through education and hands-on experience. The program has two key components: Animal Awareness, which emphasizes wildlife protection and rehabilitation, and Animal Advocates, which focuses on caring for rescued domestic animals.
In partnership with the Stanislaus Wildlife Center, students gain insight into wildlife rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation practices. Through the Animal Advocates initiative, participants build practical skills in animal husbandry, feeding, habitat maintenance, and responsible welfare.
These opportunities not only strengthen teamwork and critical thinking but also prepare students for future paths in conservation, zoology, and veterinary sciences—all while fostering compassion and respect for animals.
Animal Advocates
The Animal Advocates Project gives students the opportunity to learn directly from our dedicated animal care team while working hands-on with rescued animals. Participants assist with daily husbandry, enrichment activities, habitat upkeep, and even medication application—ensuring animals receive the highest standard of care.
Through this work, students develop practical knowledge in responsible animal care, strengthen teamwork skills, and practice ethical approaches to animal welfare. The program also emphasizes compassion and responsibility, helping participants understand the critical role humans play in supporting animal health and rehabilitation.
By contributing to the well-being of rescued animals, students not only make a meaningful impact but also prepare for future careers in fields such as veterinary science, zoology, and conservation. The Animal Advocates Project offers an enriching pathway for students to combine passion for animals with hands-on learning and professional growth.
Great Horned Owls
Each May, our program works to protect Great Horned Owlets as they fledge from their nests and often land in unsafe areas, such as the roadway under their nest. To ensure their safety, we install temporary fencing with visual markers, collaborate with Fire and Building Safety (FABS) and Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) to place warning signs and speed bumps, and educate the campus community on proper wildlife interaction. Our goal is to establish a high-quality livestream camera that can broadcast to the entire campus, increasing awareness and engagement. This initiative is part of our broader effort to protect nesting birds, ensuring that UC Merced remains a safe habitat for local wildlife.
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