Telethon Expands To Desert Wildlife Center As Donations Help Rescue and Rehabilitate Coachella Valley Wildlife

Telethon coverage extended to the Desert Wildlife Center in Indio tonight, where donations are supporting a vital network of rescue and rehabilitation programs under the Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies nonprofit. As Tiani Jadulang reported live, contributions coming into the telethon benefit not only the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, but also facilities like this one, which provides care for wildlife across the Coachella Valley.

Situated on seven acres, the center serves as a safe haven for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife that require medical attention and recovery time. Director Micah Curtis says the facility treats a wide variety of native species, including raptors such as hawks, owls, eagles, vultures, and falcons. Smaller birds—hummingbirds, songbirds, pigeons, doves, and corvids—also make up a significant portion of the patients brought in. The center has additionally begun taking in mammals like opossums, raccoons, and rabbits, along with several reptile species.

Curtis notes that many of the injuries these animals suffer are human-related, even if unintentionally so. Common issues include window strikes, vehicle collisions, and animals harmed by household pets. Some of the most severe cases stem from poisoning, often linked to rodenticides. When a poisoned rodent is eaten by predators such as owls, hawks, or bobcats, the toxins spread up the food chain, causing widespread illness. Secondary poisoning is also tied to mange outbreaks in local coyotes, weakening their immune systems and damaging the broader ecosystem.

Behind Tiani during the live report, several recovering animals could be seen, including a turkey vulture and other birds in rehabilitation enclosures. Curtis emphasized that facilities like this rely heavily on public support, with telethon donations providing essential funding for medical treatment, food, shelter, and long-term care programs. Additional ways to support the center will be highlighted throughout the evening’s coverage.

Telethon donations remain open until 7 p.m., helping ensure that wildlife across the region has access to the care they need.

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