Community News see more »

Press Release - How do you know when a baby animal needs your help? Call Wildlife Rescue and we can help you do the right thing.

In the wildlife community the spring and summer seasons are also seasons of birth and hatching. In both our cities, neighborhoods (sometimes even in our attics) and outlying areas there are newborn fawns, raccoons, squirrels, opossums, birds and others just beginning to make their way in this life. It is not uncommon to either hear or see a baby wild animal this time of year. Here at Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation in Kendalia, we are asking everyone to be both aware and sensitive to the presence and needs of these fragile creatures. Understandably, there are many well-meaning individuals who will see or hear a baby wild animal and immediately want to come to his or her “rescue”. Please be aware that this is often NOT in the best interest of the animal. In addition, there are many cases where it is also against the law.

Wild animals are complex and unique in many aspects. The manner in which they care about and provide for their young is quite different than that of human animals. Mother raccoons and skunks spend hours away from their young each night as they forage for food. With squirrels, this time apart occurs during the day. Both parents care for the young in most species of birds; there will be times during the day when neither parent can be seen because they are out finding food for their hungry youngsters. White-tail deer mothers will leave their fawns for as many as 14 hours a day as they are out feeding with the herd. Though this may seem odd to us, it is completely natural and safe for these animals.

Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation asks that people respect these differences and not assume that when a baby or young wild animal is found, that he or she is in need of human assistance. Instead it is better to contact us and we will ask the concerned citizen questions that are critical in determining if the young animal needs help.

Founded in 1977 by Lynn Cuny, Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation is located on 187 acres in Kendalia, Texas outside of San Antonio. Wildlife Rescue is widely recognized as a superior rehabilitation and sanctuary facility and is accredited by The Association of Sanctuaries (TAOS). In the over 30 years of its existence, well over 100,000 animals have been brought to WRR, from surrounding areas as well as from around the country; the majority of these were rehabilitated and released. Those who cannot be released with a reasonable chance for survival in the wild, but who would have a good quality of life in captivity, are given permanent sanctuary. WRR also provides a permanent home for a variety of birds and mammals who have been the victims of the exotic pet trade, rescued from roadside zoos, or used in research labs and therefore cannot be returned to their natural habitats.