KANSAS CITY, Mo. — One of the largest animal rehab centers in Missouri has treated and re-released more than 2,500 birds, bunnies, squirrels and raccoons in 2013 alone.
Most of the animals at the Lakeside Nature Center were brought in injured or orphaned.
Kimberly Hess is one of the individuals who work with the injured and orphaned animals, with the goal of eventually releasing them back into the wild.
“We have been working with him as one of our education animals,” said Hess.
However, some animals are not able to fully recover and go back to their original environments. One falcon named Zorro, who has an amputated wing, and a screech owl, who has more than likely been infected with the West Nile Virus, are among those who cannot return to their natural habitats.
One totally confused coyote pup, Cody, is friendly, curious and feisty. But he will not be returning to the wild either. Cody was confiscated when officials found someone had illegally taken him as a pet, before he had even opened his eyes.
“He thinks we are all coyotes. We are actually his pack,” said Hess about why the coyote would not survive going back to the wild.
Squirrels orphaned as babies, along with a possum who was mauled by a dog, are among those who will go back to their homes this upcoming spring.
This is a good thing because animal baby season is right around the corner, and the cages and incubators at the rehab hospital will soon fill up.
The center takes in orphaned animals of all types, but only if you are sure the parents are dead or gone.
“Try and give them a chance to stay with mom. We try hard here but mom bunnies do a much better job than we do,” said Hess.
They also treat injured animals, which currently includes pelicans and owls among others.
“Birds of prey are a little different than baby bunnies. If you can walk up to a bird of prey; hawk, owl or falcon, there is something wrong with that bird,” said Hess.
And if you call the Lakeside Nature Center they will talk you through it, always with the hope of recovery and release.
If you do find an orphaned or injured animal, the experts at the center offer some advice. If you think a mother has abandoned her babies, wait at least 24 hours. Put baby birds back in their nests. Chances are the mother will return.
If your cat or dog bites an animal call the center, your pet will probably need some medication.
If you see an injured animal or bird, if possible, put it in a warm, dry, dark place. Don’t feed it, and call the nature center for advice. You can call them at (816) 513-8960.
