AWARE Wildlife Center at Arabia Mountain
AWARE (Atlanta Wild Animal Rescue Effort) is a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center located next to Arabia Mountain in Lithonia, Georgia. Each year, AWARE cares for up to 2,000 injured or orphaned animals, including frogs, skinks, coyotes, owls, and even bald eagles.
The center relies on around 85 weekly volunteers who assist with feeding, cleaning, and medical care like wing wraps and turtle shell repairs. Many volunteers are interested in pursuing careers in animal care or veterinary medicine. During "baby season," AWARE might have up to 250 animals to care for at once.
AWARE spends about $80,000 a year on food and supplies to meet the specific needs of each animal. The most common animal brought in is the opossum, often injured by cars while foraging.
Although helping animals is rewarding, it can be emotional. Some animals cannot be saved and must be humanely euthanized due to serious injuries. Despite this, many volunteers continue because they are passionate about caring for animals.
Founded in 1999, AWARE has always depended on volunteers, many of whom have gone on to become staff members, including Executive Director Scott Lange. Lange, who started as a volunteer after rescuing a baby bird, now leads the center. AWARE also offers internships for those interested in wildlife rehabilitation.
AWARE offers free tours every Saturday and Sunday at 1 PM and reaches thousands through educational programs at schools, festivals, and online broadcasts. .
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Are You Ready To Find More Geocaches?
Come explore the Arabia Mountain PATH and earn trackable prizes along the way!
The AMNHA Geo-PATH is a geocaching program spread along the entire 30+ miles of the Arabia Mountain PATH hike/bike trail. We have many geocaches waiting for you to find.
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