After a busy 2025, Wasatch Wildlife teases expansion and new facility

Photo: Wasatch Wildlife Logo

PARK CITY, Utah — The Wasatch Wildlife Conservation Center is reflecting back on 2025 as a year of growth in wildlife rescue, education, and community support across Utah.

According to the nonprofit, staff and volunteers rescued and rehabilitated hundreds of injured and orphaned animals this year, ranging from hummingbirds and bats to owls and raptors. The center provides emergency wildlife response around the clock and works with the public, veterinarians, and state agencies to care for animals in crisis.

The organization also expanded its educational outreach in 2025, bringing wildlife conservation programming to local schools and libraries. Pippin the peregrine falcon has also joined the team as a wildlife ambassador. Jody Giddings, founder and CEO of Wasatch Wildlife, is working with her team to train Pippin to accompany them on school and program visits.

Financially, the center reported receiving more than $160,000 in donations during the year. They also added a donated Toyota Land Cruiser to the organization’s fleet to support wildlife emergency responses across its largely rural service area. Volunteers also contributed significant time assisting with animal care, facility maintenance, and call response.

Giddings was selected this year to participate in Leadership Park City, a year-long civic engagement and leadership development program that brings together professionals from across Summit County.

Looking ahead to 2026, the nonprofit says it is preparing for a major transition: the development of a permanent, purpose-built wildlife rehabilitation facility. While details have not yet been released, the organization indicated that the new space would allow for expanded rehabilitation capacity, improved care for non-releasable animals, and enhanced public service.

The center plans to share more information about the proposed facility early next year.