As previously mentioned, the principal author of this blog was absent for most of July. During this time the Atlantic Wildlife Institute was incredibly busy. The number of animals taken in and cared for was significant; some made it and were released, such as a number of chipmunks and starlings, others might not have been so lucky. Lets look at some of the animals that have arrived recently.
This duckling has a baby barn all to itself.
Like to goslings, ducklings' inability to fly makes them totally helpless to defend themselves against prey or the elements. This makes them particularly vulnerable when orphaned.
Finally! A blue jay! I have been waiting to see that handsome tail since I arrived.
We decided not to wake this one up for a better photo.
This picture was taken during the afternoon, so it is natural for this skunk to be asleep. It is a myth that skunks are nocturnal. Their acute smell and hearing makes them at home in the dark, but skunks are typically referred to as
crepuscular: animals that are active at dawn and dusk. For reference, diurnal refers to animals that are active during the day.
Another bear cub also arrived (now we have four). She is younger than the others, and is being kept in a separate enclosure from the other cubs. Pam explained that she was found unaccompanied on an ATV trail one day and was left alone. But when it was discovered in the same spot the next day barely alive, somebody took it upon him/herself to rescue her.
When she arrived, it was clear the young cub was suffering from serious head trauma (she was probably hit by an ATV). She had poor balance, coordination and vision. After a few days of treatment she has made remarkable progress, and is able to navigate herself around the room without difficulty.
Not another raccoon! Several arrived during the past few weeks. This one had an unfortunate run-in with a porcupine. Although he is rambunctious now, you can see in the picture below the permanent damage to his left eye.
Fortunately, if all goes according to plan, he should still be safely releasable after he matures. We now have 20 raccoon kits, in addition to quite a few matured raccoons that we will be releasing shortly.
After his two day rest, we released him again. He seemed as happy as a clam.
We moved our little skunk into an outdoor enclosure.
Meanwhile, our mallard ducklings are really doing well. Their feathers are growing in nicely, and they should be ready for release soon.
This kingfisher looks to be in bad shape; it will probably have to be euthanized. We will take it to the vet tomorrow.
His prospects of recovery are good as long as his air sac isn't damaged.
Meanwhile, the ducklings seem to be getting along swimmingly, and growing up fast.
As you can see, the one on the left in the picture above has significant feather growth. These are both females, as you can recognize by their bland coloration. Male mallards (this particular kind of duck) have whiter feathers and a shiny green head.
Meanwhile, with some help, our photographer temporarily overcame his fears and was able to capture some better photos of our new skunk.
Yesterday however, another duckling arrived, so they can keep each other company in the spacious enclosure.
They tend to stick close together, a healthy survival instinct.
As you can see, the incipient feathers have appeared and the ducklings have lost most of their soft down. This means they are probably around three weeks old.
These pictures make him look far worse off than he is actually. If it is one thing we have learned about starlings, it is that they are survivors.
Sally, our resident mature skunk, is very affectionate and good-natured. Earlier this year though, Sally accidentally partially sprayed one of our workers. Even though these animals are cute, it is important to remember at all times that the type of animals typically cared for at the AWI are wild animals, and can't be treated as pets.
Sally
This duckling has a baby barn all to itself.
Like to goslings, ducklings' inability to fly makes them totally helpless to defend themselves against prey or the elements. This makes them particularly vulnerable when orphaned.
Finally! A blue jay! I have been waiting to see that handsome tail since I arrived.
We decided not to wake this one up for a better photo.
This picture was taken during the afternoon, so it is natural for this skunk to be asleep. It is a myth that skunks are nocturnal. Their acute smell and hearing makes them at home in the dark, but skunks are typically referred to as crepuscular: animals that are active at dawn and dusk. For reference, diurnal refers to animals that are active during the day.
When she arrived, it was clear the young cub was suffering from serious head trauma (she was probably hit by an ATV). She had poor balance, coordination and vision. After a few days of treatment she has made remarkable progress, and is able to navigate herself around the room without difficulty.
Not another raccoon! Several arrived during the past few weeks. This one had an unfortunate run-in with a porcupine. Although he is rambunctious now, you can see in the picture below the permanent damage to his left eye.
Fortunately, if all goes according to plan, he should still be safely releasable after he matures. We now have 20 raccoon kits, in addition to quite a few matured raccoons that we will be releasing shortly.
