Think Wild, a local organization that works to care for and protect native wildlife through education, conservation, rescue and rehabilitation, continues to expand its services to help. While the nonprofit initially formed in 2016, it launched its wildlife hospital and conservation center, one of its main programs, in 2020. Executive Director Sally Compton has been at the helm since then.
“It’s been such a great opportunity and experience to be able to lead Think Wild to where it is today and all the ways that were able to help wildlife,” Compton said.
Some of Think Wild’s main services include treating injured and orphaned animals, in addition to offering habitat restoration and wildlife services. Another mission for the nonprofit is getting youth involved in outdoor programs and environmental stewardship.
While coming on board to kickstart Think Wild and its wildlife hospital was a new experience for Compton, she always had a passion for wildlife and conservation.
After traveling around the world studying evolutionary biology, Compton had the opportunity to move to the Oregon Coast after school, where she worked with the Oregon Coast Aquarium for a few years.
“That’s where I really fell in love with the state of Oregon and all the native wildlife and diverse ecosystems that we have here. Something that I love is Oregonians – we love wildlife, we love the outdoors,” Compton told the Source Weekly.
Compton has been in the field of wildlife conservation and research for the majority of her career. According to Compton, she’s always had a love for wildlife. She grew up with a lot of animals and grew up watching shows like “The Crocodile Hunter.”
“Jane Goodall is my hero. That’s always been a big theme in my life,” she said.
When she learned of a group trying to start a wildlife center in Bend, Compton leaped at the opportunity to help to launch Think Wild.
“When I moved out here, I was the only staff person. Being very young at the time, it was a big challenge and sometimes overwhelming, but it was a lot of fun,” said Compton. “I think the community has really come together to make everything happen and support our mission.”
Having never led an organization prior, Compton was able to leverage skills from her previous gig at the aquarium, focusing on digital marketing and online engagement to get the word out about Think Wild.
While outreach was difficult due to limitations during the pandemic, Compton had to think of creative ways to reach the public. Initially, she started hosting online trivia events – one way to spark early momentum and understanding about the organization.
As a result of the work she’s done over the years at Think Wild, Compton is the recent recipient of the Bend Chamber’s “Emerging Leader Award,” and Cascade Business News’, “40 Under 40” award.
In the beginning, Compton said, Think Wild faced a lot of obstacles when it came to things like funding and permits. However, with the help of the community, and those who became involved with the organization, Compton saw quick change.
“I had a really supportive board of directors. We had amazing volunteers that got started back then and are still with us today,” said Compton. “I just feel really lucky and fortunate that the community has been so supportive and passionate about our mission and the work that we do, because that’s how we’ve basically got into where we are today.”
In just five years, the organization has shifted from just operating as a wildlife hospital and doing education programs on a limited basis, to tackling every part of wildlife conservation in Central and Eastern Oregon, said Compton.
In recent years, the nonprofit has made significant strides in its programs, including launching and expanding its Humane Wildlife Services Program, which helps offer human solutions to wildlife complaints and issues around the region.
At the end of last year, it got a permit proposal approved to allow for limited on-site activities, like youth-education programs, volunteer groups, teacher workshops and private tours. As a result of this process, the organization is currently in the process of doing capital construction updates, such as building an educational yurt to host these programs. Think Wild is also building an aquatic mammal enclosure for the rehabilitation of beavers and otters.
“We see the end goal, and are really excited to be able to provide more education and experiences for people to actually see the work that we’re doing at the hospital,” Compton said.
Moving forward, Compton plans to continue advocating for support from the community, to help keep the organization growing and thriving. According to Compton, the wildlife hospital operates completely on individual donations.
“In order to keep services like these and be able to provide these, we really need public support and donations. So, if people want to help make a difference, they can make a donation, they can volunteer or get involved.”
This article appears in Source Weekly April 17, 2025.
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