SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Pacific Wildlife Care (PWC), San Luis Obispo County’s only licensed wildlife rehabilitation organization serving birds, land mammals and reptiles, has been named the winner of the Animal, Wildlife & Marine Mammal Welfare Award Presented by Disney in the 2026 Defender Service Awards, presented by Chase.
The award includes a customized Defender 130 SUV and $30,000 to support PWC’s wildlife rehabilitation and educational outreach programs.
The six 2026 Defender Service Awards winners were announced during a celebration at Destination Defender in Temecula. Now in its sixth year, the awards recognize nonprofit organizations in the United States and Canada for their work in their communities.
PWC entered this year’s awards with a three-minute video highlighting its wildlife rehabilitation work throughout San Luis Obispo County. After being selected as a finalist, the organization received a $5,000 grant from Chase. Finalists then participated in a public voting period, with community members supporting PWC and helping the organization win its category.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who voted and encouraged others to vote,” said Kristin Howland, Executive Director of Pacific Wildlife Care. “Winning this award truly feels like a win for our entire community. The incredible support we saw throughout the voting period was a wonderful reminder of how many people care deeply about wildlife here on the Central Coast.”
Founded in 1984, PWC provides year-round rehabilitation for injured, orphaned and sick wildlife. In 2025, the organization cared for a record 3,144 wild animals and responded to more than 6,100 wildlife-related calls through its hotline. The organization is supported by professional staff and hundreds of volunteers.
The Defender 130, expected to arrive in early 2027, will be PWC’s first organizational vehicle. The vehicle will be used to transport equipment and supplies, support educational outreach and community events, and expand the organization’s conservation outreach across the Central Coast.
“Receiving our first organizational vehicle is a true game changer,” said Howland. “The Defender 130 will help us take our mission further than ever before. We are so grateful to Defender, Disney and Chase for recognizing the importance of wildlife rehabilitation and investing in our work.”
The award comes as construction nears completion on PWC’s new permanent home, the Kim & Derrel Ridenour Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, on a 10-acre property in San Luis Obispo. The center will provide expanded rehabilitation facilities and capacity while bringing PWC’s operations to a centralized location.
Residents who find an injured or orphaned wild animal in San Luis Obispo County can call the Pacific Wildlife Care hotline at 805-543-WILD (9453) for guidance. The organization recommends calling before attempting to care for wildlife because appropriate responses vary by species and situation.
Pacific Wildlife Care is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. More information about volunteering, donating and wildlife rehabilitation is available at pacificwildlifecare.org