The Stanislaus Wildlife Care Center is hosting a baby shower this Saturday, but be sure to leave your diapers, toys and formula at home. The 2016 Baby Animal Shower is a way for the community to help out young animals in need and enjoy a day learning about wildlife.
SWCC was started in 1984 and since then has grown significantly, caring for wild animals that have been injured or orphaned until they can be released back into their natural habitat. According to SWCC Director Donna Burt, the center collects a majority of its animals during the summer months. Most are babies, such as coyotes, foxes, squirrels and birds that have fallen from nests. This influx of young animals led the center to begin holding annual baby showers, collecting items to fund care and expenses.
“It takes a lot of volunteer time, a lot of money and a lot of food to care for these young animals,” said Burt.
The two items that the center needs the most are volunteers and money, said Burt, but there are plenty of other items that can aid in the raising of the baby animals. Paper towels, postage stamps, receiving blankets, liquid laundry soap, gloves, and playpens are just some of the items on the center’s list of necessities.
“We will go through virtually all of the items donated by the end of the year,” said Burt, who went on to describe items brought in the past that the center had no use for. “The things that we don’t need are fish tanks and parrot cages.”
Burt also encourages those who find baby animals that are in need of care to call SWCC for instructions on what to do. If the animal is injured it should be brought in, but often times the animal is better off when left alone rather than being taken from its habitat.
“Someone brought in a cottontail the other day that had nothing wrong with it,” said Burt. “They thought it was a baby, but it was an adult – they’re just not very big.”
Along with providing for the incoming babies, those who attend the shower will also have the chance to meet some of the animals that live at SWCC, including Bella the Red Fox, Curley the Barn Owl and Oreo the King snake. Cookies, punch and ice cream sundaes will be provided at the event and informational videos will play in the lobby all day.
For a full list of items that SWCC needs, visit www.stanislauswildlife.org. Those who are interested in volunteering for the center can also apply to join SWCC’s team on the website. The 2016 Baby Animal Shower will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the center, which is located at in Fox Grove Regional Park, 1220 Geer Road in Hughson.
