In 2010, there was an explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig located in the Gulf of Mexico, which resulted in what is believed to be the largest marine oil spill in history. After hearing about the oil spill, something sparked in Washington Boro resident Tracie Young.

"I saw all those animals covered in oil, and I was so upset," recalled Tracie. "I cried every day."

Tracie applied to help save the animals, but Deepwater Horizon denied her application because she was not a wildlife rehabilitator. Shortly after, one night when Tracie and her husband, Kurt, were driving home from dinner, Tracie witnessed a vehicle hit a goose and drive away. Immediately, Tracie pulled off to the side of the road to rescue the goose. It took her three days to find a rehabilitation center for the goose, and it was located an hour and a half away. After arriving at Red Creek Wildlife Center in Schuylkill County, Tracie saw brochures for wildlife rehabilitation classes. Soon enough, Tracie realized her dream was to help animals.

After receiving permits from the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Tracie opened Raven Ridge Wildlife Center (RRWC) in 2015. Although located in Washington Boro, RRWC treats animals from roughly 17 counties in Pennsylvania. Every year, RRWC rehabilitates nearly 2,000 animals and is the home to several non-releasable animals.

"A lot of people don't realize the dedication," said Tracie. "It's not a job. It's a lifestyle. It's seven days a week, 365 days a year. No vacations, no days off."

Some of the non-releasable animals serve as educational ambassadors in RRWC programs. RRWC offers off-site programs for birthday parties, schools, camps, clubs, and more. The programs are suitable for people of all ages and can be tailored to fit the groups' needs.

Tracie noted that wildlife rehabilitation centers are very important. Most people do not have the knowledge to take care of injured wildlife, which is why Tracie encourages members of the public to call RRWC if they come across wildlife in need of assistance.

"Do not feed the animals," stated Tracie. "Put the animal in a dark place to relax and give us a call."

For more information about RRWC, visit https://ravenridgewildlifecenter.org or search for "Raven Ridge Wildlife Center" on Facebook. To donate to the center, visit https://ravenridgewildlifecenter.org/wish-list.html.