ROANOKE COUNTY (WSLS10) –If you've never seen a baby opossum up close, you might have a negative opinion about what many consider to be a nuisance animal. Up close, as a newborn however, they are actually quite endearing.
Sabrina Garvin, the executive director of the Southwest Virginia Wildlife center has cared for many over the past 15 years.
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She says she is particularly fond of the groundhogs she's help to rescue.
Thanks to her and her husband Lucky Garvin, they've rehabilitated thousands of wild animals of all species back into the wilderness of Southwest Virginia.
What started out as a small operation has grown over the past 15 years into now what is recognized as Southwest Virginia's only wildlife center in Roanoke County.
The couple purchased a home in the Cave Spring area and just received certification from the government to operate as an educational rehabilitation center for injured wildlife that needs a little help making it
When the center started as a non-profit in 2000, they took in about 150 animals that year. Last year, they cared for 1,250.
The center is full of baby opossums, rabbits, squirrels, birds and even owls.
There they have the ability to perform surgery and provide veterinarian care for some of Mother Nature's most misunderstood critters.
"Opossums are really a misunderstood animal. They're actually very docile," Garvin said.
Currently they are carrying for a litter that was brought to the center.
Garvin says their goal is to educate the public about conservation and the importance of caring for wildlife. "We need to coexist," Garvin said.
They even do school visits to educate children about animals. Two owls at the center that are not able to be rehabilitated serve as educational animals and are frequently brought to schools to show the children.
The center is in need of donations to help care for the animals. Garvin says they are also looking for volunteers.
For more information on the wildlife center click here.