San Diego Humane society seeks donations for annual ‘wildlife baby shower'

The San Diego Humane Society Tuesday called on the community to help stock its nurseries during the 16th annual virtual Wildlife Baby Shower, when the organization cares for orphaned and injured wild animals during the spring breeding season.

Baby squirrels, raccoons, opossums, hummingbirds, ducklings, bobcats and many other species are expected to arrive at the society’s Project Wildlife program in need of critical care.

Members of the community can purchase items such as soft bedding, specialized formula, feeding tools, pop-up habitats and baby bird diets from registries at Amazon, Target and Walmart. All gifts are shipped directly to the San Diego Humane Society.

“Wildlife baby season is our busiest time of year,” said Dr. Alexis Wohl, SDHS’ wildlife veterinary manager. “The supplies donated are used every day to stabilize, feed and house fragile young animals until they’re ready to return to the wild. Community support truly determines how many lives we can save.”

The SDHS provided an example of the type of care they provide.

In December, three baby wild rabbits were found at a Christmas tree lot in Santee. They were looked after by wildlife care specialists before being released back into the wild on Jan. 7.

“Baby rabbits are a delicate species to rehabilitate,” Wohl said. “They are very sensitive to stress, so they require specialized care to ensure they thrive.”

The SDHS Project Wildlife program cares for more than 10,000 injured, orphaned and sick wild animals each year.

To learn more or send a gift to support local wildlife, click here.