On Thursday, Oct. 18, the Agoura Hills Recreation and Event Center hosted A Night for Wildlife, an event presented by the California Wildlife Center.

Founded in 1998, CWC’s mission is to take responsibility for the protection of native wildlife through rehabilitation, education and conservation. It is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of native California species, who otherwise would be left to suffer from the effects of human encroachment, habitat destruction and environmental damage. 

The event also helped raise money to support the center’s year-round work with injured and orphaned animals. 

The CWC does not receive any regular funding from federal, state or local governments and they rely on the public to keep their doors open to the animals who need help.

Executive Director Jenn Guess, who led most of the night, said the goal was simple: broaden community awareness. 

“The main thing I wanted to achieve when advertising this event is to reach more of the general public,” Guess said. 

The event was intended to point out that awareness plays a key role in protecting our local wildlife. 

“I would really like to open people’s eyes into how we affect wildlife and be advocates for our wild neighbors,” Guess said. 

Guess described the evening as more than a fundraiser—it was also a learning experience. 

“This is like a night of education and a sneak peak of what we do behind the scenes at California Wildlife Center,” Guess said. 

And for those who attended, the event was a window into the center’s daily mission.

“This night will give people a chance to see the work we do every single day,” Guess said.

California Wildlife Center is located on Agoura Road and serves the greater Los Angeles area. More information, including how to donate or volunteer, is available at cawildlife.org.