Flory’s File #0509005–How to Make Your Own Animal Rescue Kit!
The chances of survival for a sick, injured or pollution-damaged wild animal can be greatly increased by the response of the person who finds it — that could be you!
First of all, you’ll need your own Rescue Kit:
- a clean, ventilated box that can be securely closed, or a cage or kennel with a solid floor
- some old, clean towels and blankets
- an electric heating pad
- work gloves (to keep you safe!)
Line the box or cage with a soft, clean towel, have a second towel on hand for wrapping the animal, and keep another large towel aside for creating a drape to cover the box once the animal is inside.
When you find a sick or injured animal, wear your gloves and wrap the animal gently in a light-coloured towel, making sure to cover its head to reduce stress.
Place the animal in the lined container, releasing it from the wrap as you do so. Cover the box with the drape, and call your local wildlife rehabilitation centre for further instructions.
If it is after hours, keep the animal warm by placing the covered box on a heating pad on LOW. Do not touch or talk to the animal, or give it anything to eat or drink. Keep it in a room separate from your pets. The next morning, take the animal directly to your wildlife rehabilitator, knowing you’ve played your part in that animal’s rescue!
Things to Remember:
- Wild mammals and even birds can be dangerous, especially when cornered and injured. Call your local wildlife centre to discuss the situation and find out how to proceed safely!
- Stress is the biggest danger to wildlife in captivity. If you’re a compassionate person, you’ll want to pet and talk to the animal, but resist! Petting and being talked to are completely unnatural for a wild animal, and can be terrifying, or even fatal.
- The faster you can get the animal to a wildlife rehabilitation facility, the better its chances for survival.
- Do not try to treat the animal yourself! Professional rehabilitators have years of training, as well as access to appropriate diets, caging and medical care.
- If you can get an animal to a wildlife rehabilitation centre safely, you’ve done your part!