30/09/2025
These two Southern Flying Squirrels came to us this summer as tiny, orphaned babies. Their nest had fallen after a storm had taken down part of the nest tree. The people that found them wanted to help, so having good intentions, they fed and cared for these babies for a full week before bringing them to us for care.
Unfortunately, by the time they were admitted, they were dangerously thin. Even though they were being fed often, their diet did not meet the high caloric needs required for growing babies. Sadly, both already had pneumonia due to repeated aspiration (inhalation of fluids into the lungs), resulting from improper (untrained) feeding.
They required multiple hand feedings per day by well-trained staff members. After several weeks of medication, their breathing slowly improved, and their lungs recovered. Over the months in our care, they transformed from sad little babies to young healthy juveniles eating well on their own. They spent some time in our outdoor Flying Squirrel enclosure practicing their climbing and gliding skills prior to their release.
If you ever find a wild animal that you believe needs help, please contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately to get instructions on the next steps. Wildlife rehabilitators are well trained and licensed in caring for these animals. Additionally, it is illegal to possess most wild species (depending on each state's laws), aside from the short holding period that is required for transport to a licensed wildlife rehabber.
Please let this story be a lesson on not trying to care for a wild animal on your own. While we truly do understand that the finders cared about them and wanted to help, we are thankful that they called us so these babies could get the help they really needed. We are happy to share that they were recently released to start their lives in the wild!
