A long time ago (1991, to be exact), in a California county not so far away (Placer)...Gold Country Wildlife Rescue began a mission to care for the orphaned and injured wildlife of our region.

For years, our founder, Sallysue Stein, led the charge, providing round-the-clock care for fawns until 2000. With Sallysue moving out of the country, GCWR continued that care through 2010, when a local specialty group took over that role. But, in a sudden "plot twist" in 2023, that group closed its doors unexpectedly! Since then, the responsibility for long-term care has shifted to our partners at Sierra Wildlife Rescue (SWR), placing an enormous burden on them.

But now, the "Rebellion" against the status quo begins. It’s time for the Return of the Fawns.

Starting this year, 2026, GCWR is returning to its roots. We are no longer just an intake and stabilization station for fawns; we will be keeping Placer and Nevada County fawns for long-term care, raising them from their first bottle to their final release.

The Mission: Our $82,500 Goal

We have the space and the expertise, but we need to build the infrastructure. To care for the 80+ fawns we expect this year, we must raise $82,500 for specialized rehabilitation enclosures and care.

Your support will fund:

⚡ Use the Force: A $40,000 Matching Gift!

We have an incredible "New Hope" for this campaign. An amazing anonymous donor has offered a $40,000 matching gift! The first $40,000 given will be doubled! Your $50 gift becomes $100; your $500 gift becomes $1,000. (Please note, matching amounts will be updated every 24 hours.)

What if we exceed our goal?

If your generosity takes us beyond $80,000, those funds will support the thousands of other patients we will care for this year - from bears and foxes to hawks and hummingbirds - ensuring every animal receives the highest standard of care we can offer.

Gold Country Wildlife Rescue

Rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured and orphaned wildlife while advancing public awareness and understanding of the critical role of wildlife within the ecosystems we share.

Every contribution, big or small, makes a real impact. Even just a few dollars can help move this mission forward and reach those who need it most.

If you can’t donate right now, sharing this fundraiser is also incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. It means the world to me.