Over 150 Wild Animals Have Arrived Since Monday
(HOUSTON – April 21, 2016) – The Wildlife Center of Texas, Houston’s only trauma hospital for injured, ill and orphaned wildlife, is open and accepting any wildlife impacted by this week’s devastating floods. Since Monday, they have received over 150 wild animals, many who were found clinging to debris and struggling to stay alive as they floated down racing torrents of flood water. Baby animals like opossums, rabbits and squirrels have arrived in critical condition. Baby birds have been blown from trees. Even turtles have been misplaced by the flood waters and are being hit by cars.
Executive Director Sharon Schmalz says, “When safe to do so check the area for animals like baby birds, squirrels or rabbits who have been blown out of their nests or flooded out their dens.” High water usually brings floating mounds of fire ants that attack downed baby animals (remove the ants as soon as possible). She also warns motorists to watch for turtles on the roadways. If impacted wildlife is found, wrap it in warm soft rags, place in a box and bring it to the Wildlife Center of Texas at 7007 Katy Road, Houston, TX 77024 when it is safe to travel. Do not attempt to give the animal any food or water.
The Wildlife Center of Texas is a subsidiary of the Houston SPCA and is the region’s largest wildlife hospital and rehabilitation center. They are open seven days a week to care for any injured, ill or orphaned wildlife. They are open from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to accept wild animals in need, including victims from the recent storms. They are located at 7007 Katy Road and their phone number is 713-861-9453 (WILD).
In addition, the Wildlife Center of Texas desperately needs donations of dry cat and dog food, grocery store gift cards for fresh vegetables or items from their Amazon wish list http://amzn.to/1MZCLzT to help feed the storm victims until they are ready to be released back into the wild.