Emergency Plan A: Bring it to us!
We are open 8am-5pm EVERY DAY as a resource for injured or orphaned native animals! Please call 850-433-9453 during these hours for the best information. DO NOT EMAIL for animal emergencies. If a cat or dog has had contact with the animal, it will need immediate care.
CALL US: 850-433-9453
Due to our resources, WE CANNOT ASSIST WITH RESCUES. You are welcome to bring any native animal to us from 8am-5pm any day of the week. If you are unsure of what to do, CALL US! 😊
How to assist the animal:
- Find a box. If possible, the box should be ONLY big enough for the animal to stand and turn around, we don’t want it thrashing around and hurting itself.
- Prepare the box. Place paper towels or a soft cloth (no towels, t-shirts are great) on the bottom of the box. Ensure it has holes for airflow in the lid or sides.
- Place the animal securely in the box – don’t peek! Keep it secure and closed as often as possible to reduce stress and increase survival.
- Keep the box in a warm, quiet, dark place, away from family pets and children until you can bring it to our wildlife hospital. This wild animal will be in shock, scared, or in pain and we want it to be as comfortable as possible.
- If you are not able to bring the animal in immediately and the animal is injured, cold, or featherless, put a heating pad on LOW under half of the box.
- Get help as soon as possible. Some birds need to eat every 1/2 hour. If you cannot get an animal help in 2 hours, call a rehabilitator – DO NOT FEED OR WATER! Note: baby birds cannot digest milk or milk products.
Emergency Plan B: After Hours
Please call us first at 850-433-9453. After hours, we recommend:
- Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC): 1-888-404-3922
- Rehabber Near Me
- Escambia County Animal Welfare:
1-850-595-0097
Things to know about birds:
Feathered birds or fledglings
Baby birds are often seen fully feathered, but trying to fly with the parents nearby. These are fledglings! If they are active and alert, it is best to leave them alone. If possible, keep cats and dogs away from the area for a few days in which time the birds will learn to fly. The parents will continue to care for them even though they are on the ground. If you are not sure the parents are nearby, you may put the bird in a nearby bush or on a tree branch and observe from inside the house for a few hours. If the mother sees you in the yard, she will not come near.
Call 850-433-9453 with any questions.
Nestling birds (partially feathered)
If the baby bird is alert and opening its mouth for food, you can put it back in the nest. If it is not gaping or is cold, it may need special attention. If a bird is injured, it needs help and cannot be placed back in the nest. Birds that are cat caught are assumed to be injured although they may not appear to be. If a bird is featherless, it needs to be kept warm. Since some baby birds need to eat every 1/2 hour, it is important to contact a rehabilitator as soon as possible for instructions if it cannot be put back in the nest or the mother is gone.