By Teresa Stephenson, education@werc-ca.org
When we receive an orphaned, injured or sick animal for care, we first obtain information from the rescuer on where and when it was found and why it was rescued. We ask what care had been given to it. We then proceed with a full physical and fecal examination. Once we determine the problem, we work on the solution. A baby bird needs to be identified so it can be fed the proper diet for its species. A wounded animal must be treated carefully; we determine if pain medication is needed and which antibiotics and treatments are necessary.
What gets frustrating for us as wildlife rehabilitators is when people bring us animals that they have been caring for. They thought they were doing the right thing, but in reality they were killing the animal. We cannot stress enough the importance of getting wildlife to the proper facility for immediate care. Wild baby birds require a different diet from the parrot food available at the pet store. If your local wildlife rehabilitation facility is unable to accept the animal you have rescued, they will refer you to another location. Only organizations licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and US Fish and Wildlife Service are allowed to care for native wildlife. We do our work out of care and concern for wildlife and do not charge for it. Most wildlife rehabilitation programs rely entirely on donations and receive no government funding. Our volunteers are paid with the joy of releasing an animal back into its habitat, healthy and wild.