Wildlife Rehabilitation
We are licensed with State and Federal agencies for wildlife rehabilitation. As a wildlife refuge, Stearns Zoological Rescue & Rehab Center’s number one purpose is to return any wild born animal which finds itself in the hands of humans, back into their natural environment unless they become un-releasable then we become their permanent home. Our wildlife Rehab program consists of three stages: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release. The awesome thing about this program is we get to release the animals back into the wild. We have been doing this for over fifteen years now and so far we have had an 85% success rate.

Due to pollution, loss of habitat and increase of human development on the land of these animals, our refuge find ourselves rescuing more animals than ever.

Most of the temporary residents are brought to us by FL Fish and Wildlife Officers or in most cases people who come across an injured or abandoned wildlife. Whatever animal and however we come upon these animals, each animal is thoroughly checked for the general health conditions. As Rehabilitators we are fully trained to care for moderate to semi severe injuries. Should the injuries seem fatally severe, a wildlife veterinarian is then called on for assistance. After treatment to the injury, all are quarantined and feed proper food supplements, vitamins and special diets.

Mature or healthy animals are released as soon as it recovers. The releasing process for those who come in a premature age is more complex. Predatory and foraging techniques are not inborn instincts, their mothers normally teach them. As their human moms, it is our responsibility to do the teaching. It is not easy. We insure these orphaned and injured are no longer in need of human assistance with food and shelter before they are released back into the wild. When this is done, our job is finished till the next rescue.

Wildlife TIPS
Before taking matters into your own hands, call a wildlife Rehabilitator for advice. You may find that allot of situations are better left alone and or these animals are not suited for rescue on your own. Rescuing animals on your own without experience may result in injuries to the animal or to you.

People stumble upon baby raccoons, deer, rabbits, fledgling birds or possums in good nature they mistakenly take them away from their natural location thinking they had been abandoned or orphaned.

Most of the time, these animals are not orphaned or abandoned. Their mothers are usually off seeking food for them, which takes anywhere from 4 – 8 hours. Most of the time, the mother is nearby hiding and watching. She is hopeful that the humans will leave the babies alone, so she can retrieve them and place them back into safety. She will not come back if you are nearby.

Stand back and watch or leave and come back to see if the parent has returned. Be sure they are really in need of your help before you intervene. Just remember, humans are poor caretakers compared to the natural mothers of these babies who provide them with the best nutrition and proper training for survival.

Do not feed birds or any wildlife. Once a wild animal becomes accustomed to being fed by humans, it will be dependent and imprinted and will no longer rely on hunting instincts. It is unlikely it will survive in the wild.

If you find a fallen nest, wire it back up in a tree at that location. Make sure the nest is well protected from rain or too much sun.

A healthy wild animal, unless a newborn baby will not let a human come near. If you find an animal that is sick or injured – do not touch it. A sick or injured animal will attack you out of pain or fear. Call a Wildlife Rehabilitator or Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation.

An animal that has lost its fear of humans will not survive in the wild. Releasing a tame wild animal is similar to giving it a death sentence.

Many diseases that an animal gets can be passed on to humans. Outcomes of such diseases can sometimes be fatal.

Young wild animals may seem tame at first. Overtime, they are bound to become wilder and less friendly as time passes. Remember that wild animals do not make good pets.

Parents do not abandon their babies because a human has touched them.

A very important part of our job is educating the public, especially children. In most cases the life of an animal depends on the finders initial response. Your first instinct may not be what is best for the animal.

For instance, orphaned baby squirrels must be warmed up immediately and do not drink water; they need puppy formula and are easily aspirated. Baby birds are the same way; they need baby bird formula and do not drink water or cows milk—and their humidity must be controlled.

A baby deer or fawn's only defense is to stay very still. When they are young they have no scent, so the mothers will often leave them all day to keep predators away. So it is not uncommon for people to think a fawn is orphaned, when in reality the mother is close by and will come back for it.

These are just a few things that Floridians should know. We often go to schools and bring some of our animals to put on seminars for the kids. What they learn they can take home and share with their families.