After training as a volunteer at a wildlife center in Bowie, Maryland, Chris Montuori obtained her State and Federal wildlife rehabilitation permits in 1988 and 1989, respectively. Working out of her home, she cared for as many as 1,200 animals per year and incorporated as Second Chance Wildlife Center in 1995. June of 1996, she moved the operation to its present location in Gaithersburg. The facility, an old farmhouse owned by the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, now treats over 4,500 animals per year.
Second Chance rehabilitated orphaned, injured and ill songbirds, raptors, waterfowl, squirrels, groundhogs, chipmunks, bats, rabbits, turtles, and a host of other native species. A special permit allows treatment of rabies vector species; i.e., raccoons, foxes, skunks and bats. The Center accepts admissions from 9:00AM to 5:00PM every day of the year. Staff, interns and volunteers work 12 to 14 hours per day caring for patients during the busy spring and summer months.
Second Chance Wildlife Center was accredited by the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council in 1997 and was awarded the Governor's Citation in October 1998.
Second Chance is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization relying solely on public donations for support. The average cost to rehabilitate a single wild animal is $44.00.