The Conservancy of Southwest Florida hosted their annual baby shower on Saturday, June 14. From April 1 to June 14, the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida admitted 506 baby animals. In 2024, the wildlife hospital admitted a total of 1,705 baby animals. Every Spring and Summer there is an influx of baby animals admitted to the wildlife hospital. These vulnerable patients need extra care and specific medications.
The Conservancy invited the public to their Nature Center, located at 1495 Smith Preserve Way in Naples, FL. During the Saturday event, any person who brought in an item for their wildlife wishlist or donated to the hospital received free admission or a discounted membership. The von Arx Wildlife Hospital was gifted $1,511 and 214 items. Some items included food, vitamins, paper towel and syringes. Thank you to all who showed up to support our wildlife hospital and staff.
The Baby Shower is still running through the month of June. If you would like to support the Conservancy and its most vulnerable patients, please head to their website to check out their wishlist, donation page and more.
Here in Florida, there are 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.
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 their wildlife rehabilitation professionals at 239-262-2273. The wildlife hospital is open every day from 8am to 6pm.
Staff will help you 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.
About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a nonprofit environmental organization that has protected water, land and wildlife in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties for more than 60 years. Through environmental science, policy, education and wildlife rehabilitation, the Conservancy safeguards Southwest Florida’s natural resources for future generations.
Headquartered in Naples, Florida, the Conservancy is home to Collier County’s only native wildlife hospital and its vibrant Nature Center. Currently open to visitors, the Nature Center is undergoing a major transformation into a new, impactful community offering—the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience, set to open in 2028. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a gateway to conservation, offering immersive exhibits, hands-on learning and expanded programs to inspire environmental stewardship and enhance the region’s quality of life.
Learn more and support Southwest Florida’s environmental future at conservancy.org.