Oiled Wildlife Care Network

10/15/2026

Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Director Meghan Hertel, Office of Spill Prevention and Response - OSPR Administrator Heather Geldart, and Deputy Administrator Amelia Wright to UC Davis!

The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the network's preparedness, expertise, and resources, and how our collaborative approach strengthens California's ability to respond to oil spills and care for affected wildlife.

We also highlighted how the OWCN's connections across UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine provide access to specialized expertise and resources, including rapid HPAI testing through the One Health Institute Laboratory during a recent oil spill response, demonstrating the value of these partnerships when they're needed most.

We're grateful for CDFW's continued support and investment in oiled wildlife preparedness and response, and for the shared commitment that has helped build a world-leading oiled wildlife response network. Together, we're working to ensure California remains ready to respond when wildlife needs us most.

10/01/2026

Five years ago, hundreds of responders mobilized across Southern California following the Pipeline P00547 oil spill, including members of the Oiled Wildlife Care Network working to recover and care for impacted wildlife. This response tested years of preparation, strengthened partnerships, and offered lessons that continue to shape how we prepare for and respond to oil spills today.

Five years later, we’re looking back with some of the people who were there, from wildlife recovery and care to public information and response coordination, to reflect on what they experienced, what they learned, and what has stayed with them.

Read the full story: owcn.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/blog/five-years-after-pipeline-p00547

09/23/2026

Last week, Global Oiled Wildlife Response System (GOWRS) conducted an intensive week of preparedness activities in Singapore, including a deployment exercise testing their Assessment Team service for OSRL.

Dr. Michael Ziccardi, OWCN’s associate director of global programs and Chair of GOWRS, led the five days of activities. OWCN Director Dr. Victoria Hall also recently joined the GOWRS Steering Group, expanding OWCN’s involvement in this international collaboration.

Working alongside oiled wildlife response organizations and experts from around the world provides opportunities to share knowledge, strengthen response systems, and learn from different approaches to preparedness and response. That exchange directly supports our work here in California, helping OWCN continue to strengthen our own readiness and the collective expertise of our Network.

09/17/2026

We are currently accepting pre-proposals for full research projects through our 2027–2028 Research & Technology Development Program.

Selected projects are eligible for more than $15,000 per year in funding for up to 3 years, supporting research and technology development with direct application to OWCN readiness and response.

Start with a pre-proposal to tell us about your idea and how it could help improve oiled wildlife response:

Research & Technology Development ProgramThe Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN), a collaborative program between the California Department of Fish and Wildlife - OSPR and the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center at University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, is currently seeking...

09/04/2026

The Oiled Wildlife Care Network 2027–2028 Research & Technology Development Program is now accepting pre-proposals for full research projects.

Projects addressing both marine and inland species are encouraged, with particular interest this year in work that advances the response and care of oil-affected inland wildlife. And this opportunity isn’t just for wildlife researchers! We welcome ideas across disciplines, from veterinary medicine and wildlife science to engineering, technology, design, and beyond to help us improve how we prepare for and respond to oil spills.

Full research projects can be funded for >$15,000/year for up to 3 years, with yearly re-application.

Pre-proposal submission deadline: September 20, 2026

More info: owcn.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/research

08/14/2026

We’re still accepting applications for a senior leadership position with the Oiled Wildlife Care Network, based at UC Davis!

As our Associate Director of Operations, you’ll help lead the people, resources and expertise behind California’s oiled wildlife preparedness and response efforts. From coordinating emergency operations and training responders to advancing the science and practice of oiled wildlife care, this role offers the opportunity to make an impact across California and beyond.

If you bring experience in wildlife care, field operations, emergency response, or related work, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and bring your expertise to the OWCN: owcn.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/careers

08/07/2026

Why should you apply to be our Associate Director of Operations?

You get to help save animals impacted by disasters. You get to train the next generation of wildlife first responders. You get to regularly travel through beautiful California to work with the world's leading experts in oiled wildlife care and response. Plus...great benefits!

Learn more about this opportunity at: owcn.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/careers

07/30/2026

Just two weeks after their release, five of the six banded Black-necked Stilts have already been resighted at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve by photographer Lam-Son Vinh.

These are the same birds that were recovered as oiled chicks from the Los Angeles River area earlier this summer. After months of rehabilitation, it is incredibly rewarding to see them back in the wild, clean, healthy, and already back to wading in the wetlands and hunting for small fish and bugs.

This happy update reflects the collective effort of the Oiled Wildlife Care Network’s trained responders who worked together to give these birds a second chance.

📸 : Lam-Son Vinh

07/29/2026

OWCN is hiring! Help us advance wildlife emergency response as a member of our senior leadership team. The Associate Director of Operations focuses on:

➡️ Coordinating expertise and training for oiled wildlife rescue, care, and rehabilitation content
➡️ Overseeing emergency preparedness and response assets
➡️ Leading initial deployment during emergency responses
➡️ Advance oiled wildlife care and response through applied science

Apply online: owcn.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/careers

07/28/2026

The strength of the Oiled Wildlife Care Network comes from the expertise of our 40+ member organizations located across the state of California, whose dedication to wildlife extends far beyond just oil spill response. We're proud to highlight one recent example from OWCN member organization CALM:

When the famous bald eagle from Big Bear Lake (patient #26-519) needed emergency care, CALM Zoo's bald eagle ambassador, Spirit, provided a critical blood donation to help stabilize her while she received specialized treatment from Ojai Raptor Center.

It's a great example of how California's wildlife organizations work together to support animals in need. Whether caring for an individual patient like #26-519 or responding to large-scale wildlife emergencies like the recent LA River oil spill, our member organizations bring exceptional expertise and collaborative spirit to wildlife conservation.