GADSDEN COUNTY, Fla. (WCTV) – Springtime means it is baby season in the wild. St. Francis Wildlife Association has received over 50 baby animals so far this season, including squirrels, possums and birds.
Employees and volunteers work around the clock to take care of sick and injured wildlife at the rescue center. Over the course of a year, the nonprofit will help over 3,000 animals.
The organization sees the most intake during baby season, which runs from February to October.
Carol Randall, a volunteer at St. Francis, helps bring in babies and other animals for treatment.
“So I’ve picked up a couple of fawns, numerous birds and squirrels, and last week a goose,” Randall said.
Once an animal arrives, it immediately undergoes a full examination to see if it needs immediate treatment or medicine. Each baby will get a specialized formula based on the species.
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The rescue and rehabilitation center will look after the animal until it can be released back into the wild and survive on its own.
Madison Smith, the rehab apprentice, says it is important for people to call St. Francis if they see a baby animal that is injured or abandoned.
“Please always give us a call, every situation is different, so we love to hear about the situation, assess it and then go from there,” Smith said.
If you find a sick or injured animal, St. Francis Wildlife takes in-person drop-offs. You can also bring it to Allied Emergency Hospital or Northwood Animal Hospital in Tallahassee.
“Every individual animal is important to the whole ecosystem. So, our goal is to always bring in as many animals as we can and save as many animals as we can,” Smith said.
During this baby season, St. Francis is holding a baby shower this Saturday, March 21, at Native Nurseries from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The organization is collecting monetary and physical donations.
For more information about how you can donate or get involved, visit their website or their Facebook page.
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