Meet Alfalfa, Spanky and Darla!
Sadly, their momma was hit by a car, and these babies were found wandering the side of the road not understanding why momma wasn't responding to their cries for her. These orphans came into our care in mid September and were about 5 weeks old at the time. They had virtually zero chance of survival in the wild without their momma for her nourishing milk and warmth.
These babies were given a nice warm bath upon their arrival to us, and began a prophylactic regimen of antibiotics and worming treatments. A specialized formula of milk was bottle fed to the babies a few times a day, while introducing them to the types of food they will encounter in the wild.
Like all babies, they needed their cuddle time and their rambunctious play time. Though as they matured, the cuddle time needed to lessen, as we rehabilitators know that we can not release a wild animal that has imprinted too much on humans and does not have the proper amount of fear of people.
Enrichment items were added to their enclosure and rotated out regularly to keep their nimble hands busy and to challenge their clever little minds. As they grew, their personalities really began to show. Spanky was the littlest, and the gentlest. Darla was the largest and bossiest. Alfalfa was the troublemaker of the three.
After a months time, they were moved to the outdoor enclosure to have them acclimate to the sights, sounds and temperatures of the wild world. By this time, interaction with them was kept to a minimum. No more cuddle time for these adolescents. Not only is cuddling with them not in their best interest at this point, but these critters have gotten quite big and quick! They still come scampering over to us, sometimes climbing up on us as we clean the enclosure and leave them food. But we do not encourage nor allow this. As much as they still seem the loveable babies we first took in, they are becoming wild animals with sharp teeth and long nails.
Spanky, Alfalfa and Darla were released in a rural and wooded area after 2 months of being in our care. Initially, we traveled to their release site on a regular basis at to provide supplemental food and water while they were learning to forage on their own. They have been spotted since their release, and appear to be doing well and still traveling in their group of three.
If you should encounter baby wildlife, please do not offer it food or water. The wrong food can cause serious digestive problems and a hungry baby is more apt to cry for it's mother and she will be able to find it more easily. Please call the organization which we are associated with for immediate advice:
Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge (757) 430-2886
Thank you for taking the time to read about another of our successful rehabilitation and release stories. We welcome your comments!
~ Kim & Adam Johnson
Saving wildlife, one tail at a time.......