THIS PLACE, OUR PURPOSE. A CAMPAIGN TO RISE WHERE WE ARE ROOTED Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center (SWCC) has grown into one of the most reputable animal Sanctuaries in the United States. Now in its 31st year, SWCC’s primary focus is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release Arizona native wildlife while educating the public about the importance of living alongside our wild neighbors. Although our first priority is to release, for those animals that are not able to return to the wild, the Sanctuary becomes their forever home, where they receive proper care and medical treatment for the rest of their lives. The Sanctuary itself offers a guided tour that the public (by appointment only) can take to learn about the animals, a full Veterinary Hospital and a dedicated Rehabilitation Center, where injured and healing animals recovering prepare to be released back to their natural habitats. ¹ħĽăĽħĝĈĝōů AĈwĈůáżħōwŵżō ōv  –ĈýƁůħwĞō Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center | www.southwestwildlife.org | swcc@southwestwildlife.org | (480) 471-3621 In alignment with this renewed vision, Southwest Wildlife launched a $5,000,000 campaign titled This Place, Our Purpose: A Campaign to Rise Where We Are Rooted , which reflects a deep commitment to the land and a vision for continued growth, service, and impact at the Sanctuary. This Place, Our Purpose focuses on three core goals: purchasing the Sanctuary property, making key improvements (including expanding the Rehabilitation Area, upgrading the Veterinary Clinic into a Teaching Hospital, enhancing the visitor experience, and establishing a long-term sustainability fund. Through the generosity of a donor family, a major milestone was reached in September 2025 enabling Southwest Wildlife purchase the 10-acre property, home since 1994. With this achievement secured, efforts now center on facility improvements and building long-term financial stability. This Place, Our Purpose is designed to strengthen the organization’s future, expand capacity, and ensure continued compassionate wildlife care for generations. These milestones reinforce a strong foundation and position Southwest Wildlife for a bright and sustainable future, supported by dedicated donors, volunteers, and staff committed to its mission. With the retirement of our Founder, Linda Searles, in December 2024, Southwest Wildlife entered a new chapter grounded in thoughtful planning and continuity. Following a carefully curated leadership transition, Raandi Morales assumed the role of Executive Director in January 2025 and Geri Wright, Director, Development and Marketing joined in June. This transition honored the strong foundation established by Linda and positioned Southwest for continued growth and stewardship. To reinforce this path forward, the 2026-2028 Strategic Plan was developed in partnership with board and staff to focus on strengthening wildlife care, expanding conservation impact, and ensuring long-term sustainability in service of Arizona’s native wildlife. The plan responds to increasing threats to wildlife, including habitat loss, climate change, and growing human–wildlife interactions. With our leadership and Strategic Plan in place, we revisited the previously envisioned relocation to McDowell Regional Park. After a comprehensive evaluation of the opportunity, our organizational capacity, and the long-term goals that guide our mission, we made the decision to remain on our 10-acre Sanctuary property in North Scottsdale. Staying rooted in the place that has shaped our history - a place that is both magical and meaningful - allows us to honor our commitments, strengthen our stewardship, and continue providing exceptional care to the wildlife that depends on us. Felix (pictured) and his sister Zia were orphaned at only four weeks old in 2020, after their mother was poisoned from rodenticide in the Santa Monica Hills near Simi Valley, California. Though a cross- fostering attempt was made, the female mother would not accept them. California Game and Fish then entrusted them to us, where the siblings could remain together and find comfort in one another as they started a new life. – A DV E RT I S E M E NT –

VISIT US southwestwildlife.org A Gala to Benefit Southwest Wildlife Join us for an unforgettable experience where community, compassion, and celebration come together for a meaningful cause. It will be an inspiring and fun evening of dining, dancing, storytelling, live entertainment, and exclusive auction experiences - each moment designed to directly support the vital work that sustains wildlife conservation throughout the year. Table and ticket sales will go live this summer. To reserve your spot, please visit our website at: www.southwestwildlife.org . Southwest Wildlife is a 501(3)(C) Nonprofit. Our EIN number is: 86-0765249. We do not receive any state or federal funding. Stewards of the Wild: What: Stewards of the Wild Gala Where: The Clayton House 3719 N 75th St Scottsdale, AZ 85251 When: October 30, 2026 @ 5:30 PM THE PILLARS OF SOUTHWEST WILDLIFE: RESCUE. REHABILITATE. RELEASE. EDUCATE. Mama Bear & Sumo’s Incredible Journey Save the Date! T: 480-471-9109 E: swcc@southwestwildlife.org 24/7 Wildlife Emergency Hotline: 480-433-5656 Mailing Address: Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center PMB 115 8711 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Sanctuary Address: 27026 N. 156th St Scottsdale, AZ 85262 CONTACT US @southwestwildlife CONNECT WITH US While every rescue has been heartbreaking and memorable in its own way, the story of Mama Bear and her cub, Sumo, holds a special place in our hearts. When they arrived, Mama was barely holding on- blind, injured, battling pneumonia, and unwilling to eat. It often felt like she had lost the will to live. But when she was reunited with Sumo, something changed. She stood for the first time, reaching for her baby, trying to nurse despite being unable to produce milk. She still had a reason to fight. Our team refused to give up on her. When Mama finally took her first lick of applesauce, there were tears. Day by day, she grew stronger. In a larger enclosure, Sumo began to thrive: climbing, playing, gaining weight, and living up to her name. Mama, though blind, learned to navigate by sound and scent, remaining fiercely wild and teaching Sumo to be the same. This past year has truly been the year of the bear at Southwest Wildlife. Drought and scarce resources pushed Arizona’s black bears to the brink, especially the cubs. Of the nine bears we cared for, nearly all arrived alone, malnourished, and far too small. Southwest Wildlife is Arizona’s only licensed bear rehabilitation facility, a lifeline in seasons like this. By spring, orphaned cubs were already arriving. Then came the call about a weak, disoriented mother near an orchard. She had fallen from a tree, her body giving out. Nearby, her cub clung to another tree- proof that even in her condition, Mama had led her baby to food. Mama will live in sanctuary, but her story doesn’t end there- she may become a Foster Mom to help raise future orphaned cubs at the Sanctuary and keep them wild, prior to their release back to the wild. And for Sumo, strong and growing, was released with two other bear cubs in the spring. Their journey is one of resilience, instinct, and the power of care. Mama needed Sumo. Sumo needed her Mama. And both needed the chance we could give- made possible by compassion, dedication, and support when it mattered most. Scan the QR code to visit our website and view additional resources! Scan the QR code to view our YouTube channel to follow along with animal rescues! – A DV E RT I S E M E NT –