Yesterday during the course of my ‘normal’ job, Joan - an associate of mine mentioned that she was on her way to see the ‘animal rehab lady’ – I knew immediately who she was referring to. She had found a dazed western screech owl by the side of the road, and currently had it in a roomy cotton ‘purse’ where it had been vocalizing on the front seat of her car until she could deliver it for rescue.
As most anyone in Butte County knows, the ‘rehab lady’ is Marilyn Gamette. For the last 35 years Marilyn has served as the ‘go-to’ person for orphaned ducklings and injured animals as the manager of the Bidwell Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (BWRC). In addition to caring for an average of a thousand animals a year, Marilyn also has also worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge near Willows and has headed up the annual California Junior Duck Stamp Competition.
Marilyn is passionate about helping all animals but owls are her specialty. She often takes her show on the road to festivals and events where her great horned owl Checkers captures the hearts and imaginations of children, helping to inspire them to be protectors of wildlife as well.
BWRC is a non-profit, completely volunteer run organization, which operates on support for the Butte County Fish and Game Commission, membership dues and donations.
Yesterdays peek at an owl in a purse was more than a chance encounter with an injured owl. It was a reminder of the special people in our community who take the time to assist and care for creatures great and small, like Joan and Marilyn.
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