Service. Knowledge. Relationships. These are just a few of our core values. However, to claim these values as our own, it is imperative that we live up to the standards in which these words dictate. We do so by partnering with outstanding clients whose mission it is to make the world a kinder place for every person – and every animal. ADKF is proud to work with Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation – the only organization of its kind who diligently fights for, protects, and serves both native and non-native wildlife in the state of Texas.
Founded in San Antonio in 1977, Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation (WRR) is an organization that aims “to rescue, rehabilitate, and release native wildlife and to provide sanctuary, individualized care, and a voice for other animals in need.” WRR has received over 250,000 native animals into its care since 1977 and currently provides sanctuary for over 530 permanent residents, including both native and non-native species, on its 212-acre sanctuary. However, long before WRR grew to this magnitude, it started with a young woman and a determination to change the way animals were seen and treated.
Founder and President, Lynn Cuny, grew up with her large family in San Antonio. “My parents loved children and they loved animals.” Surrounded by so much compassion and support, it is not surprising which cause Cuny chose to dedicate her entire life to. After many years of seeing the way animals were both disregarded and disposed of, Cuny decided she would do “what others ought to do.” Since there was no model for what she wanted to accomplish, Cuny started from nothing. An early morning paper route provided the necessary funds to both start the organization and earn a living for herself. She printed and handed out her business cards to anyone who she thought may encounter animals in need of help including firefighters, trash removal service employees, veterinarians, and even chimney sweeps. Making herself available via the use of an answering machine, after throwing her paper route she came home, checked messages, and immediately headed out to animal calls. This strategy was successful, and it didn’t take long for dozens of calls re skunks, opossums, birds, and other animals in trouble to reach her. It was clear early on that doing this from her home in San Antonio would fall far short of providing what the animals needed. In only three short years, and with the help of many articles in local papers as well as other media attention, word had spread widely enough for WRR to secure the donations needed to purchase four acres in the nearby Leon Springs. This small parcel of land would serve as the organization’s first sanctuary. From there, WRR continued to grow and several years later over 20 acres were purchased outside of Boerne.
In response to nearly 20,000 calls every year to its hotline, WRR rescues over 10,000 animals. The animals who need help are either brought to the organization by caring citizens or picked up by one of its trained volunteers. Most of the rescues occur during the spring and summer months, referred to as “baby season” by WRR, as this is the time of year native wildlife give birth and mothers are trapped, injured, or killed, therefore stranding babies without help. Additionally, WRR rescues animals from laboratories, zoos, roadside zoos, and private hands. In the state of Texas, there are few laws that protect animals and those who are victims of the wild animal “pet” trade are some who suffer the most. This dangerous lack of regulation is what led to the very first rescued animal and permanent resident of WRR. A family called WRR to report a bobcat kitten who had been declawed and was for sale at a local pet store. When Cuny arrived, the kitten was sitting in a glass box, her own blood pooling under her as she had been declawed with a pair of pliers. Lynn took in the injured kitten, had her treated by a veterinarian and, since there was nowhere else for her to live, turned two rooms of her house over to the young bobcat, giving the kitten time to heal. Being declawed, it would be impossible for the bobcat to ever be set free. This horrific incident made clear the need for a sanctuary.
The sanctuary is the only answer for those animals, native and non-native, who cannot be returned to the wild, due to human arrogance and cruelty. For the wild animals who are native to this area, rehabilitation leads to release. During rehabilitation, WRR staff works to “replicate nature in the care they provide.” This means feeding baby animals the way that best imitates how their mothers would feed them. As such, baby birds are fed every 15 minutes during the day. No animal is named or handled unnecessarily, and all are treated as the wild being they are, and must remain, so they can be released. Every single animal who is brought to WRR is treated with respect and dignity. Because the goal is always release, it is imperative that the rescued animals do not become accustomed to human interaction. In fact, one of the indicators that an animal is ready for release after rehabilitation, is the retention of their natural fear of humans. Aside from her 46 years of experience to guide her, Cuny knows an animal is ready to be reunited with nature because she trusts them wholly. “Animals know exactly who they are, but sadly humans tend to think that we know what is best for them and rarely give them credit for both their innate wisdom and intelligence.” Animals are sentient beings and are intrinsically attached to nature. This idea is the foundation for everything WRR does.
For those animals who cannot be released, WRR offers 212 acres of sanctuary. This land is where non-native species, farmed animals, and non-releasable native species “can live a life diminished by the confines of captivity but mimicking the wild.” Animals live in spacious enclosures, most over an acre large and including live oaks, hackberry trees, native grasses, and dense underbrush. The 6.5-acre primate enclosure is populated with stands of dense native trees where the monkeys spend a great deal of their time. The 4.5-acre mountain lion enclosure is placed on a rocky bluff and tucked within the woods. There are no bars. No concrete slabs. And certainly, no cages. Perhaps the best part of the sanctuary is that it gives the animals “a life again. Not an existence, but a life.” And if it was not already clear that WRR respects the privacy these animals would have had in the wild, the sanctuary is not open to the public. Rather, the sanctuary is where animals, many of whom have known nothing but abuse and neglect, are finally given the opportunity to be free of human exploitation.
WRR is an organization that does more than physically help animals. Through their advocacy program, they are working to change a deeply engrained societal mindset. The WRR website features numerous PDFs that serve to educate the public about the ongoing plight of animals in a human dominated world. Highlighted issues include canned hunts, pseudo-sanctuaries, and factory farms. Additionally, on each call the staff responds to, they work to educate the public. The message at the start of WRR’s long history is the same as it is today – animals are not the invaders. They are not ugly or stupid or useless or pests. Animals are aware, intelligent, emotional, and deeply complex beings simply trying to live in a world that humans have completely taken over. This consistent messaging and tireless effort to bring about change has started to shift the public’s attitude toward wildlife which Cuny deems as one of the greatest successes of WRR.
The work of Lynn Cuny, and the entire staff at Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, is not only inspiring but serves as the ultimate reminder that the world needs more kindness. “Anything any of us do that is an act of kindness for each other is so meaningful and becomes more important every day.” ADKF is incredibly proud to serve clients like the WRR and hope that others will feel just as inspired as us!
