Saturday, June 14, 2025
9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Help support the hospital’s most at-risk patients!
Each person who brings an item from the Wildlife Wishlist to our Nature Center can choose from free admission for the day or a discounted family membership for $60 ($100 value). Members will receive a guest pass for free admission to share. Your support helps the wildlife hospital protect the future of our wildlife!
baby season is in full swing
Each spring, longer days and warming temperatures trigger breeding season for native wildlife resulting in a surge of young wild animals facing human-created dangers such as pet encounters, vehicle strikes, and nest disturbance from landscaping.
In 2023, over half the total number of animals admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital for the entire year came in between April and August. Supported by caring individuals like you, our hospital team works tirelessly to care for and ease the suffering these precious baby wild animals endure.
wishlist items
FOOD AND VITAMIN PRODUCTS
- Bottled water
- Distilled water
- Purina One Plus Healthy Kitten Formula Dry Food
- Oatmeal or rolled oats — not instant
- Purina Flock Raiser Crumbles
- IAMS Proactive Puppy Food — Large Breed Dry with Chicken
- Toasted oat cereal
MISCELLANEOUS
- Batteries — AA and AAA
- Bug spray
- Food storage bags — gallon, quart, sandwich
- Kitchen shears
- Large laundry baskets
- Masking tape — 1" inch
- Plastic wrap
- Unused dog toys for enrichment
HUSBANDRY ITEMS
- Antibacterial hand sanitizer
- Antibacterial hand soap
- Broom and dustpan set
- Handheld scrub brush
- Unscented laundry detergent — high efficiency
- Liquid dish detergent
- Putty scrapers
- Scotch dish wand refills and holders
- Towels in good condition — all sizes
- Trash bags — 13 and 33 gallon
- Unscented bleach — no additives
- Unscented paper towels
MEDICAL SUPPLIES
- Band-Aids
- Cottonballs
- Gauze squares
- Q-Tips
Since early April, the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida has admitted over four hundred and seventy-five baby animals. This does not include the additional admission of adult animals in our care.
Here in Florida, we have just two seasons – wet and dry. Beginning in late spring or early summer, as the rainfall increases, the wet season takes over. During this time, the vegetation growth rate increases, causing an uptick in lawn and yard maintenance. Many species such as eastern screech owls, northern mockingbirds and more, use trees, shrubs and other foliage to house their nests. Other species such as eastern cottontail rabbits nest on the ground at the base of trees and shrubs. Increased tree trimming, mowing and yard work can cause serious damage to those nests and their inhabitants.
ways to help
Always be sure to check the lawns, trees, shrubs and surrounding areas before mowing, trimming or removing branches. If you do spot an active nest, it is best to leave it alone until the babies have left the nest for good.
When deciding whether a baby animal is in need of assistance, there are a few things to keep in mind. Not all species care for their young the same. Some are with the babies to offer care and protection, while some watch from close by. Others will leave the area for periods of time in hopes of drawing less attention to the nest or burrow.
If you are unsure how to proceed after spotting signs of an active nest in your yard, or if you spot a baby animal on its own, it’s best to call the von Arx Wildlife Hospital to speak with one of our wildlife rehabilitation professionals at 239-262-CARE. They will help you to determine the best course of action and walk you through each step. Some cases might require the animal to be left alone, but if there is sign of an injury or no sign of the parents for an extended period, the animal may need professional care.
