A male Sitka black-tail deer – credit: courtesy of AWCCFrom Alaska comes the story of a wildlife rehab center that got its hooves on a few bucks to help out their deer following a recent storm.
On January 6th, 2025, a storm with winds exceeding 80 mph swept through the Portage Valley and destroyed the Sitka black-tailed deer shelter at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC). Thankfully, all five of the resident deer were safe and unharmed; the shelter less so.
AWCC takes in many of Alaska’s large mammals if they’re found injured or orphaned. They enjoy the company of caribou, Sitka black tails, and even musk oxen, but the black tails are known as the friendliest residents.
The collapsed shelter – credit: courtesy of AWCC“They’re some of the friendliest animals we have on the property, but they’re also very aware of their surroundings,” said executive director, Sarah Howard.
Keeping fur and feed dry year-round, the shelter was essential for providing a safe haven during harsh weather, an area for feeding, and a warm safe space for recovery after medical procedures when needed.
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The cost to replace the ruined shelter with a more resilient structure was estimated to be $30,000, which was, incredibly, crowdfunded with $3,000 extra in just 36 hours.
“Just super gracious for everyone’s support in the help that we’re now going to be able to immediately start building on Monday,” Howard told Alaska Public Media.
GNN has recently reported on some very rapid and enriching crowdfunding campaigns recently, but this urgent need for another species in another community far from big cities and big headlines is a reminder of the true scope of America’s generosity.
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