A new executive director of the Alabama Wildlife Center + a baby bird shower—learn more

The Alabama Wildlife Center has a new executive director. Keep reading to meet the new director and learn what’s to come for the Alabama Wildlife Center.

Welcome Chris Sykes

Chris Sykes was selected to take on the role in early March, following the unexpected passing of former Alabama Wildlife Center (AWC) director Doug Adair in November.

“The Alabama Wildlife Center holds a special place in my heart and in the hearts of countless folks in Alabama who have a strong passion for birds and their well-being. This Center has remained a critical service for over 40 years, focused on protecting and preserving birds through its dual mission of education and rehabilitation. It is truly an honor to work with the amazing staff and volunteers to carry out this much needed service, leading the organization into its next chapter.”

Chris Sykes, Executive Director, Alabama Wildlife Center

Sykes said he is excited about the future of AWC. He plans to expand the center’s capabilities and make its clinic more state-of-the-art. He also plans to update the bird enclosures and offer more programs and services overall. We can’t wait to see these improvements take place.

The Alabama Wildlife Center

The Alabama Wildlife Center specializes in rehabilitating wild birds. The nonprofit organization is located at Oak Mountain State Park and operates from public donations and membership. 

The wildlife center recently lost their executive director of eight years, Doug Adair. A valuable asset to the Birmingham community, he helped the wildlife center grow and thrive in his time as director.

Exciting times ahead (including a baby bird shower)

There are always fun events in store at the Alabama Wildlife Center.

Upcoming events include a baby bird shower, Chirps and Chips in late summer/early fall and the Wild About Chocolate fundraiser next February. Mark your calendars!

We were all in when we heard baby bird shower, too. Here are the details for the sweet event:

• What: a celebration of all the baby birds arriving in the wild with AWC. See the facility, enjoy cake, refreshments, bird themed crafts, games and meet the glove trained education birds up close. 
• When: Saturday, May 7
• Where: Alabama Wildlife Center at Oak Mountain State Park
• Time: 11AM-2PM
• Cost: free with admission to the park ($5 for adults, $2 for children ages 2-11 and seniors 62 +)

The shower also serves as an opportunity for members of the public to help AWC by donating items they may be short on. These donations can be monetary or include items such as paper towels, laundry detergent, heat bulbs, bird pellets, peanut butter, fruits and more. Check out their Baby Bird Wish List to see what they need most!

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