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Savannah Wildlife Center Advocates for Responsible Wildlife Care

Wildlife Rescue Center emphasizes the importance of protecting wild baby animals.

News Summary

The Savannah Wildlife Rescue Center is urging the public to refrain from intervening with wild baby animals, asserting that human involvement can lead to more harm than good. With over 1,000 wild animals cared for this year, the organization highlights the importance of contacting wildlife professionals for guidance. The story of Eddie, a skunk with a traumatic past, exemplifies the need for education on proper wildlife interactions. SWRC emphasizes coexistence and ethical treatment, working to rehabilitate animals for their eventual return to the wild.

Savannah, Georgia – The Savannah Wildlife Rescue Center (SWRC) urges the public to avoid intervening with wild baby animals unless absolutely necessary, as human interference often causes more harm than good. Jeanne Paddison from the SWRC emphasizes that many people mistakenly believe wild baby animals are in need of rescue, but this is frequently not the case. Instead of taking matters into their own hands, it is advised to contact a wildlife rescue to receive proper guidance on how to handle such situations.

This year alone, the SWRC has successfully cared for over 1,000 wild animals, showcasing the organization’s commitment to wildlife rehabilitation and the importance of understanding animal behavior. A prominent example of their work is the recovery story of Thomas Edison, affectionately known as Eddie, a skunk who suffered severe injuries during his early life. Eddie’s traumatic journey underscores the need for compassion and informed decision-making regarding wildlife interactions.

Eddie was found at only 10 weeks old along the roadside in North Georgia, having already experienced significant hardship, including the loss of his mother and siblings and sustaining a broken leg, along with severe lacerations from farming equipment. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Eddie was transported to Savannah for care, where volunteers bottle-fed him, as he was too young to survive independently.

After being released onto a farm, Eddie encountered further misfortune and was caught beneath a rotary cutter. He remained stranded for three days before being rescued, returning to the SWRC with serious injuries, including maggot-infested wounds. The team at SWRC provided extensive treatment, including necessary surgeries, enabling Eddie to recover. However, due to his injuries, he cannot be returned to the wild, which highlights the lasting implications of human interaction with wildlife.

Today, Eddie serves as an animal ambassador for the SWRC, playing a vital role in educating the public about the importance of coexisting with wildlife and the ethics of rehabilitation. His story serves as a reminder that even with the best intentions, human interference can lead to unintended consequences for wild animals.

The SWRC works diligently to rehabilitate wildlife and aims to release animals back into the wild while minimizing direct human interaction. This approach ensures that the animals develop the necessary skills to survive independently. Paddison stresses the importance of educating the community on proper procedures for approaching injured or orphaned wildlife. Such knowledge can significantly impact the well-being of these creatures and enhance wildlife conservation efforts.

Individuals seeking to learn more about how to appropriately respond to wildlife situations are encouraged to visit the SWRC’s website. By understanding the correct protocols for handling wild animals, the community can contribute positively to wildlife preservation and coexistence.

In summary, the Savannah Wildlife Rescue Center advocates for minimal human intervention with wild baby animals and encourages responsible practices for wildlife interaction. By doing so, they aim to create a harmonious environment where both humans and wildlife can thrive together.