Helena's new Wildlife Rehabilitation Center gives injured and orphaned animals a second chance

Four baby beavers born through Caesarian section, a baby porcupine without a tail, orphaned black bear cubs, an injured swift fox, two bobcats and an unreleasable grizzly bear.

These were among the more than 50 orphaned and injured wildlife that were received last summer at Montana's new Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Helena. Their heart-warming stories will be told in a new monthly column, "Back to the Wild."

Located adjacent to Spring Meadow Lake State Park, the new facility has made it possible to successfully care for, rehabilitate and return orphaned and injured wildlife to their natural habitat.

The Montana Rehabilitation Center, now under the management of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, is the result of a partnership between the Foundation for Animals and the state of Montana. The foundation purchased the land and helped raise the funding necessary to build Montana's first modern Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, billed as "Their Wildest Dream."

The center continues the work of former Fish, Wildlife and Parks employee Vince Yannone, who worked tirelessly for 40 years to rehabilitate wildlife in a less-than-adequate shelter. With the number of wildlife needing help increasing, a new, modern facility became a necessity.

Following in Vince's footsteps, the center's caring and experienced staff and volunteers truly go the extra mile to give wildlife a second chance. Next month's column will introduce and profile these dedicated rehabbers, who will share their stories and the thrill the experience in helping return orphaned and injured wildlife … "Back to the Wild."