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Carolina Wildlife Conservation Center is a one-of-a-kind animal sanctuary

WCNC Charlotte's Larry Sprinkle visits the center to show how it rehabilitates sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.

LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. — The Carolina Wildlife Conservation Center (CWCC) is situated on 105 acres of natural forest in Lincoln County, about 45 minutes from Charlotte. 

The center is a place for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife so they can be released back into the wild. 

There’s a state-of-the-art animal clinic and special custom-made enclosures for the rescues. The facility has a full surgery, treatment, and triage hospital -- staffed by licensed wildlife rehabilitators and veterinarians.

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Morgan Raphael is the founder and Executive Director of the Carolina Wildlife Conservation Center. 

Credit: WCNC
Carolina Wildlife Conservation Center

Raphael told WCNC Charlotte's Larry Sprinkle the center offers “conservation through rehabilitation” and all rescued animals are re-introduced back into the woods. 

CWCC receives over 6,000 calls a year. Many are just questions for the staff about the care of animals or the proper procedures for making sure these animals will be safe.

Credit: WCNC
Carolina Wildlife Conservation Center

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Raphael said rehabilitation is only successful when the released animals can truly care for themselves, and find food, shelter, and water. They have to recognize and mate with others of their species, reproduce, and care appropriately for their offspring.

Credit: WCNC
Carolina Wildlife Conservation Center

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CWCC saves thousands of wild animals annually -- over 10,000 since they opened five years ago. The center is not funded by any state or local government and is run solely on the generosity of fellow animal lovers. 

All proceeds go directly towards the care and running of CWCC,  a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Visit carolinaconservation.org/donate to make a contribution.

Contact Larry Sprinkle at lsprinkle@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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