Members of the Don Coyote Society give $1,500 or more annually to fuel our mission.

In 2024, Don Coyote Society gifts totaled more than $900,000, making up half of the contributed income. These leadership gifts provide critical funding for rescues, medical care, rehabilitation, and releases back to the wild.

Named for our very first sanctuary resident, Don the coyote pup, this group reflects the spirit of compassion that started it all in 1994 and continues today. Your membership helps ensure wild lives get a second chance. 

Membership is renewed annually and comes with special recognition and benefits. See giving levels and details below.

Why is it called the Don Coyote Society?

Our story begins with Linda Searles – a woman with a passion for all living things and a life-changing encounter with an orphaned coyote pup. A local farmer accidentally ran over a den of newborn coyote puppies with his tractor, leaving one survivor.  The farmer looked for help for the tiny wild creature but didn’t know where to turn.  Eventually fate and kind people brought Linda together with that orphaned coyote she named “Don”.  At that time, there were no local veterinarians who would treat orphaned or injured wild animals. Linda dreamed of a wildlife rehabilitation center specializing in mammals.  And so, that seed of Southwest Wildlife was planted.

Don Coyote lived 20 wonderful years at the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center with his soul mate, Ashley. He served as an ambassador for wildlife, teaching thousands of visitors about the importance of wild animals in our ecosystem and the beauty of our natural environment.