WildCare to Reopen Renovated Wildlife Clinic in December

The San Rafael wildlife center will resume medical services following a two-year, $24 million construction project.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Wildlife

Gouache-painted illustration of a modern, wood-clad wildlife clinic building nestled in a serene Northern California landscape, evoking institutional care. — WildCare will officially resume medical services at its newly renovated San Rafael facility on December 14, following a two-year, $24 million project. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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WildCare will hold an opening ceremony for its newly renovated complex in San Rafael on November 14, 2026. The facility will officially begin accepting animal patients once again on December 14, 2026.

Why it matters

The upgrade replaces a dilapidated and outdated facility to ensure the center can continue its mission for multiple generations. It serves as a critical medical hub for local wildlife across the Bay Area.

The completed $24 million project features rooftop solar panels and bird-safe windows within an integrated 1870s church parish hall. The center processes 3,500 animal patients annually, maintaining a 78% release rate for recovered wildlife.

The players

WildCare

This San Rafael organization operates as a non-profit wildlife hospital that treats thousands of animals and provides public education.

Elizabeth Terwilliger

A prominent local naturalist whose legacy remains associated with the long-term history of wildlife advocacy in the region.

The details

Workers performed extensive structural upgrades, including lifting and moving the original 1870s church parish hall to make room for a modern hospital. The new clinic at Albert Park Lane now houses essential infrastructure such as a hospital elevator and specialized animal cages.

1950s: WildCare began using the church parish hall.
2006: Elizabeth Terwilliger died.
November 14, 2026: Renovated complex opening ceremony.
December 14, 2026: Clinic begins accepting animal patients.

Culture Shift

The renovation project follows a pattern of adaptive reuse established by the historical preservation of the 1870s church parish hall. By blending modern medical functionality with architectural conservation, the project reflects a growing societal commitment to sustainable facility modernization.

Residents should be aware that the clinic will resume its standard intake of animal patients starting December 14. This restored capacity ensures that community members have a local destination to bring injured wildlife for professional care.

The takeaway

The successful renovation project ensures the continuity of wildlife rehabilitation services in San Rafael for future generations. Residents can support these ongoing efforts by adhering to local guidelines when encountering injured or orphaned animals.