Observing Natural Behaviors in Virginia Opossums
In this video, one of our young Virginia opossum patients showcases an important survival skill: nest-building. Using its semi-prehensile tail, this juvenile opossum gathers shredded paper to construct a nest, mimicking the behavior it will rely on in the wild to gather leaves, pine straw, and twigs.
At our wildlife rehabilitation clinic, we provide materials that promote these natural behaviors, which are crucial for the opossum's growth and eventual survival. By nurturing these innate instincts, we ensure that our patients are well-equipped for their eventual release into their natural habitats.
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We invite you to support our mission. Please donate today to help us give injured wildlife the care and second chance they deserve: https://savagehartwildlife.org/how-to-help/donate. Your contribution allows us to continue this important work, providing the care and resources necessary for wildlife rehabilitation and release.
#WildlifeRehab #VirginiaOpossum #NaturalBehaviors #WildlifeConservation #SupportWildlife #GeorgiaWildlife
Facility Update! Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the interior construction for our future wildlife clinic is now complete. With a total of 5 patient rooms, a reception area, a bathroom, and a kitchen, we're one step closer to bringing this vision into reality. We couldn't have done it without your ongoing support - thank you for making a real difference for wildlife in need! #WildlifeRehabilitation #Grateful #CommunitySupport
Check out this Monday milestone: Many of our orphaned opossum patients have reached an exciting developmental stage—they're dabbling in the skill of lapping their meals!
This is an important step for them as they transition from tube feeding to independent feeding behaviors. With this new achievement, we can move on to the next phase of their nutritional journey. We will gradually introduce various new foods to their diet, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and insects. These additions will provide the necessary vitamins, minerals, and proteins essential for their growth and well-being.
Stay tuned as we continue to monitor and document the progress of our animal patients. Your support and interest in wildlife rehabilitation play a crucial role in our efforts to ensure the successful rehab and release of native wildlife.
Support our mission ➡️ https://savagehartwildlife.org/how-to-help/
In February, a big brown bat was admitted into rehabilitation care. We're thrilled to announce that it has successfully completed its rehabilitation journey and has been released back into the wild!
Big brown bats are one of the 16 species native to Georgia, each contributing uniquely to the ecosystem. Their remarkable ability to consume hundreds to thousands of insects each night underscores their importance in controlling insect populations. By reducing nuisance insect populations in urban and rural areas, bats benefit the environment and human communities.
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At Savage Hart, our dedicated rehabilitators are fully committed to providing the utmost care for native wild animals. Our ultimate goal is to make a significant difference in their lives while safeguarding the welfare of our wildlife. We invite you to visit us at www.savagehartwidlife.org to learn more about how you can contribute to our mission.
Maintaining a healthy appetite is indicative of positive progress for patients who are undergoing rehabilitation. #hungry #squirrel #wildlife #rehabilitation #helping #wild #animals
Hawk Release
We often say that it takes a village, and recent events have once again emphasized this truth. A few weeks ago, Callaway Gardens reached out to us for assistance regarding an immature red-tailed hawk, presumably injured in a vehicular collision. At the bird's intake, it was evident that it had suffered head trauma, rendering it unable to stand.
Despite lacking permits for raptor rehabilitation, we are able to provide short-term triage to relieve the pain and suffering of native wildlife. Over the next 24 hours, we administered vital fluids and medications, gradually witnessing improvement as the hawk regained its ability to stand and grew more alert. Recognizing the need for continued care, we facilitated the bird's transfer to the expert hands of the Chattahoochee Nature Center Wildlife Rehabilitation (CNC).
The hawk's condition improved remarkably after only a few weeks of continued treatment at CNC. The expertise of the team at CNC was instrumental in achieving this progress. Eventually, the hawk recovered fully, as evidenced by its ability to fly and hunt again, and we were privileged to release it back into its natural habitat.
This collaborative effort epitomizes the significance of organizational partnerships in wildlife conservation. By pooling resources, knowledge, and expertise, we amplify our impact and maximize outcomes for wild animals in need. Witnessing the hawk's return to its natural habitat serves as a poignant reminder of the profound difference collective action can make in safeguarding wildlife populations.
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Interested in supporting our organization? Visit https://savagehartwildlife.org/how-to-help/ for information on how you can contribute to the continued success of our mission to protect all things wild.
How it started vs. how it's going...bat edition 🦇
A few weeks ago, we welcomed an adult male big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) into our care after a concerned homeowner noticed he couldn't sustain flight. Upon his arrival, it was clear he was dehydrated and underweight. This species, a year-round resident in Georgia, typically hibernates during the winter months, but unfortunately, this little guy hadn't stored enough fat for his torpor period. As temperatures warmed, he lacked the energy to thrive.
Weighing in at just 10 grams upon admission (far below the standard 14-21 grams range), our primary goal was to rehydrate him and help him gain the necessary weight for recovery. Big brown bats play a crucial role in our ecosystem, providing natural pest control by feasting on beetles, flies, and moths while in flight. In his limited mobility enclosure, we've been closely monitoring his progress, even teaching him to eat mealworms since he's not flying to catch his food. It took some patience, but he's now a mealworm-eating pro!
We're thrilled to share that after completing his quarantine and gaining 5 grams, he's progressing well. Our next step is to conduct a flight test, and once the weather warms above 50 degrees at night, we'll prepare to release him back into his natural habitat.
It's crucial to remember the threats facing North American bat species, including habitat degradation, disturbance to hibernacula, pesticide use, and white-nose syndrome. By supporting wildlife rehabilitation efforts and raising awareness, we can all play a part in protecting these essential members of our ecosystem. Interested in supporting our mission? Visit https://savagehartwildlife.org/how-to-help/donate/
#WildlifeRehabilitation #BatConservation #ProtectOurBats
Check out this room with a view!
We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our journey toward expanding our wildlife rehabilitation efforts: the unveiling of our newest addition, the Banner Bungalow! This remarkable structure, generously donated by one of our most cherished supporters, Banner Buildings, marks the first step in creating outdoor enclosures at our future facility.
The Banner Bungalow, originally a dog kennel, has been creatively transformed into a pre-release enclosure for our future mammal patients. Equipped with ample climbing space and a secure shelter away from the elements, this enclosure ensures that our recovering wildlife can acclimate to their natural habitat safely and comfortably.
One of the most invaluable features of the Banner Bungalow is its double-door system, providing our dedicated rehabbers with an essential safety measure to prevent accidental escapes. This added security not only safeguards our patients but also ensures the well-being of our team.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Banner Buildings for their unwavering support and commitment to our cause. Their generosity has enabled us to take a significant stride forward in our mission to rehabilitate and release injured and orphaned wildlife back into the wild where they belong.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to expand and enhance our facilities, empowering us to provide even better care for the animals we are privileged to serve.
Look at him go!
Last year, a juvenile eastern box turtle was admitted with injuries sustained from a lawn mower. Upon examination, the turtle exhibited signs of spinal cord trauma, resulting in a loss of hind leg mobility. However, consistent adherence to a physical therapy regimen has significantly improved the turtle's condition. As of present, the turtle has made a remarkable recovery and is now scheduled for release back into the wild this coming spring!
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Our highly dedicated team of professionals is committed to providing the utmost care for injured and orphaned wild animals. By supporting our mission, you can make a significant difference in the lives of these animals. Visit https://savagehartwildlife.org/how-to-help/ to learn how you can contribute.
Musical Totes😆
We've got a special treat for you! We know opossums can be a bit slow-moving, so we've sped up the release video to make it more entertaining for you. We hope you enjoy watching it as much as we did!
Each week, we have the opportunity to facilitate the return of previously orphaned and injured wild animals to their natural habitats. This valuable work allows these animals to reintegrate into their ecosystems and contribute to the balance of their environment.💚
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Interested in learning more about our organization? Visit www.savagehartwildlife.org for information on how you can contribute to the continued success of our mission to protect all things wild!
✨Patient Update!
Many of the eastern gray squirrel patients that were admitted earlier this season were either orphaned or victims of unnatural predator attacks. However, we are happy to report that they are now doing exceptionally well. They have been thriving in their outdoor enclosures and have also started foraging for native foods and displaying impressive climbing skills.
Although the final stage of their rehabilitation process may be ending for us, it is just the beginning for these squirrels. Soon, they will be released back into the wild, where they truly belong and can roam free in their natural habitat.
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Interested in supporting our mission? Visit www.savagehartwildlife.org for more information on how you can contribute to the continued success of our mission to protect all things wild!
"Wheel of Motion" - (well...kind of)
When you've outgrown the wheel but are determined to get those steps in😆
Weekend Plans
🔊Weekend Goals: All in favor?🙋
Wanna peek inside our future facility👀?
Last week, we announced the exciting news of expanding the wildlife rehabilitation clinic. Although we acknowledge that there is still loads of work to be done before the space can be operational, we are committed to completing all necessary renovations to guarantee the safety and comfort of our staff and the animals in our care. We are eager to make progress and can't wait to welcome everyone to our new facility.
We're reaching out to our extraordinary community for help in this effort. If your company offers services related to HVAC, construction, electrical, plumbing, flooring, or any other relevant field, we would be incredibly grateful for your assistance. Every little bit helps, and your generosity will go a long way in helping us rescue and rehabilitate more wild animals in need.
We are so excited about this new space, the opportunities it will provide for the animals in our care, and the volunteers who help us make it all possible. Thank you for your continued support and for being a part of this important mission. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of these incredible creatures.
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We'd love to hear from you! For more information on how your business can assist with renovations, please contact us via phone or email.
(888)444-1810 / [email protected]
A few weeks ago, we welcomed a resilient young eastern box turtle who had a close encounter with a lawn mower. Despite minor carapace (top shell) abrasions and limited hind leg mobility, our dedicated rehabilitators have been working tirelessly on a creative treatment plan for him. Through daily physical therapy sessions, we're helping this patient regain strength and mobility, one step at a time.
Our mission for this patient is clear: to get this brave little guy back into the wild where he belongs! Stay tuned, as we'll soon be sharing his inspiring therapy journey with all of you. Let's cheer him on together and show the world the power of determination and rehabilitation! 🐢 💕
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Interested in supporting our organization? Visit www.savagehartwildlife.org/donate for information on how you can contribute to the continued success of our mission to protect all things wild!
#WildlifeRehabilitation #turtle #power
OMG! You won't believe the progress our young box turtle has made since we last shared his story! With dedicated daily physical therapy sessions and personalized care, we're witnessing an incredible improvement in his mobility. It's truly heartwarming to see him on the path to recovery!
But here's the thing: we can't do it alone. Like this brave turtle, our wildlife rehab patients depend on your support to receive the care they need. Donate today and help us provide them with the specialized treatment, nourishment, and care they deserve. Every contribution counts and makes a real difference in their journey back to the wild. Together, we can positively impact the lives of these amazing creatures! 🙏❤️
#wildliferehab #HelpThemThrive #TogetherForWildlife
Case update! 🐢
Our determined box turtle, whom we introduced to you last week, is making incredible progress during his stay in rehab. With daily physical therapy sessions, a controlled environment, and a carefully tailored diet enriched with vitamins, we have high hopes that he will regain full use of all four legs and make a triumphant return to the wild where he truly belongs. Together, let's continue supporting and cheering on this amazing little survivor as we help him strengthen his way back to freedom! 🐢👏
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Interested in supporting our cause? Click the donate button below or visit us at www.savagehartwildlife.org/donate to learn more.
#wild #animals #turtle #WildlifeRehabilitation
Patient Update🦨
Our skunk patients have been growing not only in size but also in their skills, which means it's time for us to upgrade their living space to an outdoor enclosure. This new environment will provide them with the perfect opportunity to hone the necessary skills they need to survive and thrive in the wild.
Speaking of these fascinating critters, did you know that skunks are omnivores? That's right, their diet consists of both plants and animals, and they're especially fond of digging up insects to munch on. Their natural foraging behavior is just one of the many ways they play a vital role in our ecosystem.
Thank you for being a part of our mission to care for and release these amazing creatures back into the wild where they belong!
