Fellow Mortals--Compassion Changes Everything

Just like humans, wild babies learn from parents.

From the time an injured or orphaned wild animal is rescued and brought to us by a caring person, our single thought is how to provide everything a little one needs so that it can someday return to its wild home. For orphaned wild animals, proper nutrition and room for exercise aren't enough--making sure the little ones do not become too familiar (habituated) to their caregivers is just as important in raising a baby that can survive once it leaves our care.

Working with the wildlife rehabilitators at the hospital are some VIB's (very important birds) that do something the humans cannot.  Permanently disabled wild birds of many species provide a 'foster family' for orphaned young, helping to keep the babies wild while the humans provide the food, space and time for the babies while they grow.  Our 'foster parents' work as hard as the rehabiltiators do in the summer months, and get to enjoy each other's company in the safe and peaceful home they share all year long.

Birds like Naomi, Alberta, Frankie and Freya and others help us make sure orphaned birds grow up knowing the natural language and social structure of geese, owls, ducks and other species, through hearing the vocalizations and observing the behavior of the adults that care for them at our hospital.  When the babies have grown and left our care to make their way in the wild, we know they will be able to find shelter and food and recognize others of their own kind.

Your gift to Fellow Mortals through Global Giving this summer is giving ophaned wildlife the food and time necessary to grow up in a safe and peaceful environment with a nurturing foster parent of their own species.  Your recurring gift is making that home possible for our very special ‘foster parents’ all year long.

Thank you for celebrating Wild Mothers' Days and the VIB's of Fellow Mortals!

Links:

• What to do if you find an orphaned Wild Animal