New Alabama Wildlife Center car tag design unveiled

august 28, 2025

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WAKA Action 8 News
by WAKA Action 8 News

The Alabama Wildlife Center has unveiled a design for a new specialty car tag, but it needs people to commit to buying it before it can be produced.
To bring the tag into production, AWC needs 1,000 Alabama drivers to pre-register by May 2026.
AWC is the state’s oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation and education organization. It was founded in 1977 and is headquartered at Oak Mountain State Park south of Birmingham.
The car tag design, created by Alabama wildlife artist Rhiannon Harris, features a Great Horned Owl and represents the hundreds of injured and orphaned animals rescued every year by AWC.
“Every year, we care for upwards of 2,000 wild birds from over 110 different species, from Bald Eagles to tiny hummingbirds, all with the goal of returning them to their native habitats,” Chris Sykes, the executive director of Alabama Wildlife Center, said. “This license plate is a simple way for every Alabamian to help give wildlife a second chance.”
Supporters can sign up on AWC’s website by covering the $50 specialty tag fee or requesting AWC to sponsor their pre-registration at no cost, thanks to donors underwriting the campaign.
Once 1,000 pre-orders are secured, the plate will go into production, and AWC will receive a portion of every tag sold. Each tag generates approximately $41.25 annually for AWC’s operations, creating a critical, recurring revenue source for the organization’s wildlife rehabilitation and education programs.
“By putting this plate on your car, you’re helping save wildlife 365 days a year,” said tag designer Rhiannon Harris. “It’s a small gesture that makes a huge difference—not just for the animals, but for the communities across Alabama that benefit from AWC’s work.”
Along with providing free wildlife helpline services, AWC reaches over 10,000 students and adults annually through its educational programming, including Title 1 schools, senior living facilities, and community programs.
“This is more than just a license plate—it’s a way for Alabamians to show they care about preserving our state’s natural heritage,” Sykes added. “Every commitment gets us closer to ensuring Alabama’s injured and orphaned wildlife have a place to heal.”
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