By Los Altos

Town Crier Staff Report

Los Altos City Council recently turned down a request made for funding by Palo Alto-based Wildlife Rescue for continued animal services. The council’s decision means that the center could cut off services to Los Altos unless other viable methods of income are identified.

The non-profit organization had asked for $11,620 to finance the cost of the rescue and rehabilitation of injured wild animals in the area. Wildlife officials said the center has struggled from the economic downturn over the last two years. The center has provided services to the Los Altos community through private donations over the past 30 years.

Los Altos City Council was required to turn down the request for funding because members had already approved the city’s budget for the following two years. Wildlife Rescue plans to continue its plea for funding, and has asked council to reconsider, said director Usha Srinivasan.

“We hope that citizens of Los Altos also petition for a reconsideration,” she said.

Los Altos and Los Altos Hills account for 15 percent of the more than 3,000 injured animals the center takes in each year.

The Los Altos Hills City Council recently agreed to give Wildlife Rescue $2,880.

For more information, to become a member of Wildlife Rescue or to donate, call 494-7417 or visit the Web site: www.wildliferescue.ws.