The Wildlife Center's 2026 online Gala auction is now open, and you won't want to miss it! Whether you're a longtime supporter or just discovering the Wildlife Center of Virginia, this is your chance to bid on unique items and experiences while helping make a difference for Virginia's wildlife.
From handcrafted goods and wildlife-inspired art to unforgettable experiences, this year's auction features more than 100 special items donated by generous supporters. Best of all, the online auction is open to everyone—no Gala ticket required. Bid from anywhere!
The auction closes Saturday, August 15, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern, so start browsing and bidding today.
Our easy-to-use auction platform makes participating simple. You can place bids manually, or set a maximum bid and let the system automatically bid on your behalf, helping you stay competitive without constantly checking the auction.
Before you start bidding, here are three tips to help you make the most of the auction:
1. Don't wait until the last minute.
Browse the catalog now and use the “Watch This Item” button to keep an eye on your favorites. You'll be able to track the items you're most interested in throughout the auction, and you'll avoid the stress of trying to do everything on closing night. (After all, internet outages and unexpected interruptions always seem to happen at the worst possible time!)
2. Bid for wildlife, not for bargains.
Every bid helps support the Wildlife Center's mission, so don't be afraid to bid generously on the items you love. Rather than looking for the lowest possible price, remember that every dollar raised helps train future wildlife professionals, advance scientific research, strengthen wildlife conservation, and provide expert medical care for sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals.
3. Didn't win? You can still make a difference.
If an item slips away on August 15, don't close your browser just yet. As soon as the auction ends, we'll open a special giving opportunity through the auction platform to support this year's featured wildlife project. If you were planning to spend $100 on an auction item, consider making a gift instead. Every dollar helps make our work possible.
The online auction closes Saturday, August 15, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern, so start browsing, pick your favorites, and happy bidding. Thank you for helping wildlife, one bid at a time.
