WILDLIFE CARE MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Every year more than 2,000 native wild animals find their way to the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center. These animals have ended up with us because unfortunately, they have been injured, orphaned, or fallen ill. In the overwhelming majority of these cases, either directly or in-directly, humans have greatly contributed to their situations. Fortunately, our community is full of like-minded individuals who recognize the importance every species serves in our environment and our obligation to protect and respect them and their habitats. Our goal is always to rehabilitate and release wildlife and as a result of the incredible support of volunteers, community members, and staff, we definitely make a difference. Care of these animals encompasses daily husbandry which includes shelter, food, and medical treatment such as dressing wounds and providing medications for injured animals.
Enrichment Activities
Enrichment activities and socialization are beneficial for both humans and animals!
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All babies will need a ‘pouch’ of some sort to feel comfortable. A winter hat works well for this, or a pillowcase, washcloth, or even a sock depending on how small the babies are. Place the babies, gently, in the makeshift pouch and then place the pouch into a shoebox, plastic tote, insulated lunch box, or any small container with a lid.
Hairless babies need a heat source immediately. You’ll need a heating pad, set to medium, place under HALF of the shoebox or small container so the babies can get away from the heat source if they really want to. If you do not have a heating pad, you can make something similar in just two minutes. Simply take a men’s long sock, or even a knee high nylon, and fill the sock with dry rice – any kind, just make sure it is uncooked. Microwave the sock filled with rice for 1-3 minutes until it is very warm to the touch but not scalding. Cover the now warm rice sock with a small hand towel or washcloth. Place the rice sock in the shoebox or other small container under the babies, making sure that they are not directly on top of the sock. Sometimes they will crawl on top of the sock and that’s okay, but make sure they have the option to get away from it if it gets too hot. You’ll need to reheat the rice sock once an hour or so, until you can deliver the animal to a rehabber.
DO NOT FEED THEM ANYTHING! Babies often aspirate fluids and unless you are prepared to save them once they aspirate, and treat the impending pneumonia from aspirating, do not feed them.
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Animals, with eyes open, can be placed on a non-terry cloth towel in a box of appropriate size. A pet carrier, large plastic tote, or any kind of cage will work well too.
They DO NOT NEED a heat source, but if you have them for longer than a few hours, provide them with heat of some kind.
Make sure the box you place them in has a lid and that it is taped or secured but still allows them air to breathe.
If babies have their eyes open, place a small lid or coaster with water into the ‘cage’ you are keeping them in. DO NOT FORCE THEM TO DRINK WATER!! Just make sure it is available to them if they want it. Do not use a bowl, they can accidentally drown themselves. We know it seems unlikely, but unfortunately it has happened. A jar lid, coaster, or Tupperware lid works perfectly for a temporary water dish.
WILDLIFE WE ARE CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTING
Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center cares about the welfare of all wildlife. Some species not native to our region are considered invasive to our natural environment, and others, we simply do not have the space nor resources to care for them properly. As a result, at this time, we are not accepting:
Deer
Raccoons
Mute Swans
House Sparrows
Rock Pigeons
European Starlings
However, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has provided a list of statewide agencies that offer assistance with various wildlife.
Did you know possessing a wild animal for more than 24 hours in the state of Indiana requires permits from Indiana DNR or US Fish & Wildlife?
Click here to view all the permitted Wildlife Rehabilitation Facilities in Indiana.
WILDLIFE ADMISSIONS
Some of our protocols have changed for admitting injured and orphaned animals into our care, and it’s not due to Covid-19. Please know that these procedures have been instituted for the safety of all those concerned. The safety of our staff, volunteers, and the public are always at the heart of all our decisions. There is never a fee for dropping off injured/orphaned wildlife to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
Please follow the steps below to admit the animal into care:
Place animal(s) to be admitted on the front porch and call
to inform staff that you have brought an animal that needs immediate attention.
Stay on the phone with staff, but return to your car. Staff will retrieve the injured/orphaned wildlife and bring it into the center for an examination.
Please stay on the phone with staff members during this time so that they can fill out our wildlife admission form with your information. This information is used to complete our permit paperwork, issued to us through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
Staff will return (if necessary) the empty tote/container where the animal was contained back to the front porch. You are then welcomed to retrieve your tote from our porch.
It is of the utmost importance that you call staff to notify them when you have placed an animal on the porch. Please call 219.299.8027. We also must have information regarding where the animal was found per laws issued by USFWS and IN-DNR, so please stay on the line to answer a brief questionnaire.
Humane Indiana’s Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center is located at 570 North 450 East, Valparaiso, IN 46383.
HELPING OUR WILDLIFE
Some animals received at our Wildlife Rehabilitation Center will require veterinary visits, treatments, and medication. ALL animals will require species-specific daily food until their health is restored and it’s safe for them to be released back to their natural environment. While there is no cost to drop off wildlife in need of our help, we ask that you support our efforts and help offset costs for care of the hundreds of wildlife we receive throughout the year. Please consider making a donation to help us continue the care we provide for our orphaned and injured wildlife. HELP OUR WILDLIFE CENTER TODAY