One of Largest Wildlife Centers in Central New York May Be Forced to Close

One of the largest wildlife centers in Central New York may be forced to close.

The Woodhaven Wildlife Center is a non-profit organization in Chadwicks, that has focused on rescuing, raising, rehabilitating, and releasing injured and orphaned animals for over 35 years. That may soon come to an end.

Woodhaven founder Judy Cusworth says they are no longer receiving food from one of their major sponsors. "It seems the corporate heads at Hannaford have decided not to donate to animal organizations anymore. It will now be soup kitchens, the homeless and coalitions. I can’t see any way to replace this loss. Closing down is a possibility."

Hannaford Responds

Hannaford says that's not true. The company didn't not stop offering food, just the order in how it's handed out, and to who.

Woodhaven is welcome to continue receiving donations from our New Hartford store in line with the EPA Food Recovery Hierarchy, which all Hannaford stores follow to ensure the safe and equal distribution of food in our communities. The Hierarchy prioritizes the rescue of surplus product for donation to food insecure individuals – generating millions of meals donated annually.

Hannaford stores donate food not suitable for human consumption to local livestock farmers and animal centers, who use the items as feed for cows, sheep, pigs and other animals.

READ MORE: Big Lots Closing Over 80 Stores, 3 in New York

Community Steps Up to Help

The community is stepping in to help Woodland where they can.

The Compassion Coalition has offered to assist in providing food.

Michelle Boehlert even volunteered her garden. "My garden is a bounty of veggies. I can donate my cucumbers, tomatoes and anymore lettuce I produce."

Will it be enough to save Woodhaven? Only time will tell.

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