I discovered All Things Wild Rehabilitation (ATW) when I needed their help with my first owl family.
Read My Owl Saga
The goal at ATW is to rehabilitate wild animals and release them back into the wild. It was early spring, prime birthing season for wildlife, especially deer, squirrels, raccoons and opossums. ATW’s facility, indoors and out, was teeming with babies who were orphaned, abandoned and/or injured. And all of them were full of curiosity, energy and cuteness overload. I just couldn’t stay away.
In addition to capturing and sharing images of their wards, I learned that wildlife rehabilitation is an exact science. Every tiny creature is weighed on a strict schedule to ensure that it is benefitting from its diet. Formulas are a precise balance of a protein/fat ratio depending on the species. Pre-weened small mammals are fed with droppers or bottles depending on their size. Marsupials are nurtured via tubing because, by nature, they are carried and suckled in the mother’s pouch until weened.
I had a mated pair of Screech Owls with their brood of three owlets. Aware that my owl family was healthy and secure, they asked if I would adopt an owlet who needed a surrogate owl to teach him how to fly. Lucky me, of course I said yes. After my Screech family of six vacated their abode, ATW had another Screech orphaned fledgling who needed a gentle release. I just so happen to have the perfect oak tree with an owl box to let - free room and board for an occasional photo op.
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