07/23/04 UPDATE: Feathers
was returned to the wild with a new family of ducks who were only too pleased to have a new little brother. He continues to
do very well.
07/19/04: Feathers came
to our office on a rainy Monday morning on July 19th 2004. A man had been out cycling and saw a baby duck lying
in the road. Ducks, like geese and swans, are not usually left alone by their families. A baby duck found alone should be
considered orphaned, and you should call your local wildlife rescue for care instructions. In this case the man was unable
to transfer this little duck to a shelter, so he left him with us.
When Feathers arrived he was in bad shape.
Cold, wet, and in shock he was laying prone on his back, unable to right himself. Amanda, our Head-Technician, took responsibility
for his rehabilitation and placed him on a heat blanket. Within 20 minutes Feathers was warmed up and dry, and we gave him
some food, which he gobbled down. He was also starting to regain his voice at this point too, chirping constantly at everyone
and everything. After eating he slept some more, and after a few more check ups from Dr. Carvajal he went home with Amanda
that night.
We are pleased to inform you that Feathers continued to do well. It seems he has found a permanent home
with Amanda and her family, and after a few follow-up exams has been given a clean bill of health - no pun intended.
The reason we have include this story on our website is to draw attention to these situations and to
help educate people on when to help and when to leave alone.
Depending on the species of animal a baby animal found by themselves could or could not be an orphan.
The last thing that should happen is for people to take animals that they believe to be orphaned when this is not the case.
At the same time, if the animal is orphaned then time may play a role in their well-being.
Confused? Don't be. Spend a few minutes reading the following link (which can be printed-out) and educate
yourself on the different parenting habits of these wild animals.
