About Us

The OWCN is the world's only oiled wildlife response organization boasting more than 25 different members comprised of world-class aquaria, universities, scientific organizations and rehabilitation groups. Established in 1994 by the Department of Fish and Game’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) as a result of the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska, it is currently administered by the UC Davis Wildlife Health Center in the School of Veterinary Medicine.

Recognized as a international leader in oil spill response, the OWCN focuses on four core areas to expediently and effectively offer the best possible care for oil-affected wildlife:

• Readiness: Continual training and drilling of facilities, personnel, and wildlife contingency plans is critical to rapid deployment during oil spill disasters;
• Response: Providing immediate access to permanent wildlife rehabilitation facilities, trained personnel, and key supplies is necessary for giving care to oil-affected wildlife;
• Research: Exploring improvements to methods for collecting and caring for wildlife through active research helps to ensure the use of the best medical therapies during oiled wildlife rehabilitation efforts; and
• Reaching Out: Sharing knowledge and resources with the public and other wildlife professionals allows global dissemination of the best information possible on the effects of oil on wildlife and their environment.