Page 68 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2018- Online Magazine

HONORING J.T. & MARGARET

T ALKINGT ON

The J.T. and Margaret

Talkington Animal Care

Facility BY GAIL BARNES

n 2013, the Board of Directors of the release these animals back to the wild
South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation
ICenter decided it was time to fulfill • To provide environmental
a twenty-five year dream – to renovate education, using a rational approach to
an old wooden barn on the property appreciation and conservation of natural
and create new space for the animals resources for future generations, with
that the Center cared for. The Center an emphasis on wildlife as a natural
was founded in 1988 by Carol Mitchell resource. Center staff to have a designated triage
Lee and is the only licensed wildlife area. This area was critically important
rehabilitation facility within 200 miles of As the Board of Directors began to plan for wildlife which might spread disease
Lubbock, Texas. The Center began as a how to renovate a mammoth facility, to others or needed one-on-one attention
grass roots effort by Ms. Lee to serve the they began researching the foundations requiring separation or special handling.
unmet needs of orphaned, abandoned and corporations in Lubbock. The J.T. The bald eagle which was treated at the
and injured wildlife (particularly and Margaret Talkington Foundation Center in 2016 spent time in the triage
songbirds) of the South Plains of Texas. seemed a perfect fit. With Margaret area before being moved to the aviary.
She originally cared for orphaned or Talkington’s love for animals and the
abandoned birds in her home, and as visionary leadership of J.T. Talkington, The J.T. and Margaret Talkington
the need became apparent and her the project seemed to fall within their Animal Care Center is used for care
reputation grew, land was secured and guidelines, along with the program of animals including birds, mammals,
facilities constructed over the years. pieces, which included the ability amphibians and reptiles. Before the
to serve more animals, interns and renovation, the Center could care for
On the land which was acquired, just educational programs. many wildlife patients at one time, but
off Indiana Avenue and 95th Street, the addition of this space has allowed
there sat a small farmer’s house and The grant was submitted, and anxiously, the expansion of services. It has also
a rustic three-story wooden barn. a reply was awaited. The Center was enabled SPWRC to have a professional-
The Center grew and installed other very fortunate to receive a positive level venue that enhances the level of
buildings and facilities on the property. response, and the J.T. and Margaret animal care, volunteer comfort, overall
The Center has a pond, aviary, deer Talkington Animal Care Facility began safety and visitor experience in a great
yard and baby bird facility. SPWRC to take shape. Other area foundations space.
also has Ambassador Row – one of its also helped with the project to ensure
more popular locations on the site, as that inside fixtures were secured, finish South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation
this is the residence for the wildlife work was completed, and program Center is ever grateful for this facility
ambassadors who are unable to be funds were sustained. Funds were also and for the enormous generosity of the
released back into the wild. These used from private individuals who J.T. and Margaret Talkington Charitable
ambassadors serve as educational donated to the campaign. Foundation.
animals - visiting schools, libraries, As a result, the facility became a
Scout troops, civic and other local consolidated building for most of the
groups who want to learn more about on-site animal care. The barn was
the native wildlife and unique ecosystem renovated using the existing foundation,
of this area.
and framing was brought up to code,
The South Plains Wildlife resulting in over 3,000 square feet of
Rehabilitation Center has a twofold usable space for the Center. The new
purpose: barn allowed an owl cam to be installed
to monitor the native barn owls, as
• To provide humane care and well as an area for baby birds and baby
rehabilitation to orphaned, ill, injured mammals to receive care. It also, and
and displaced wildlife and eventually perhaps most importantly, allowed

68 Lubbock Senior Link