Ten Thoughtful Gifts for Wildlife Rehabilitators

When buying holiday gifts for wildlife rehabilitators, many thoughts likely come to mind. From compassionate acts of animal preservation to thought provoking wildlife awareness education, wildlife rehabilitators are often busy individuals with little time for more than "round the clock" care for the critters in their charge. Their homes are usually lined with kennels, incubators, and aquariums where even the smallest animals can find repose during times of healing. An animal in the hands of a rehabilitator is one whose hope is likely intertwined with that of its caregiver whose constant vigil is often the difference between a healthy recovery and a painful and difficult end. Here is a wish list comprised of ten great gifts for wildlife rehabilitators.

Orphaned Baby Animal Bottles, syringes, and Formula - When a nursing mother animal is killed, injured, or abandons her young (or when a well-meaning individual kidnaps a baby animal assuming it has been abandoned,) a wildlife rehabilitator must often bottle feed that baby for a period up to a couple months. Though the task seems like a rewarding, easy activity similar to bottle feeding a human baby, it is anything but that. Forget whimsical images of Ellie Mae Clampett coaxing a raccoon to drink from a bottle; wild animals are extremely fragile to care for, require frequent feedings as close as three hours apart (even during early morning,) must be stimulated to eliminate, and have to be kept at certain temperatures to digest nourishment and survive.

Bottles frequently require replacement after sustaining damage through use and sterilization. Feeding syringes of every shape and size are needed for forces and for medicine dispensing. Formula runs out quickly during spring young season. All of these things help rehabilitators function.

Old Furs - Fur wearing may be considered distasteful in some circles, but wildlife rehabilitators have been using furs to help orphaned and sick animals for many years now. By cutting cozies out of old fur coats, wildlife rehabilitation specialists can improve the treatment and recovery process for many varieties of fur-bearing animal. Perhaps that fox stole in your attic can actually be put to use comforting a nest of fox kits who are homesick for their abandoned den.

Aquariums and Pet Taxis - Always in short supply for many wildlife rehabilitators, aquariums and pet taxis offer a safe place to keep injured or orphaned wildlife during recovery. If a vet visit is warranted, a pet taxi is the safest way to transport an animal, and when it's time for release, the use of a cage-front pet taxi for transport is one of the best ways to encourage an animal to head out on their own. But like beds in a dorm, a wildlife rehabilitator is often limited in cases they can handle simply from a lack of pet kennels or aquariums.

Non Scented, non Lotion Tissues and Paper towels - You would likely not be very surprised at the messes little critters can make of things if you've ever owned a common pet yourself, but consider the mess multiplied by the number of spring residents of your favorite rehabilitator's place, and the concept can be mind boggling.

Towels and Blankets - Whether you have an old ALF beach towel or some of Aunt Ida's Marigold print hand towels from the 1970's, wildlife rehabilitators often appreciate the gift of recycled "whites." Older towels are great for lining kennels and cages, while larger towels can be used to drape a cell for privacy.

Hot Water Bottles, Reflector heating lamps, and stay-on Heating pads - Ah warmth. You wouldn't guess it by looking at a fuzzy groundhog in its heavy fur coat this winter, but most baby animals have a lot of trouble maintaining warmth. In the den, they are typically quite toasty all huddled together, so for wildlife rehabilitators, things like hot water bottles, reflector style heating lamps, and heating pads that stay on without an automatic shut off are necessities. These lifesaving gifts can be found at most department stores and aren't an extremely expensive investment.

Laundry Soap and Cleaning Supplies - When a wildlife rehabilitator talks about the messes critters can make, that is typically basic feeding and bathroom messes, but there is a whole world of mess in addition to the common dirt and grime that usually leaves the home or barn of a wildlife rehabilitator in need of some serious cleanup. Cleaners of every variety including dish soap and laundry soap are welcome gifts. Consider arranging a selection of cleaning gifts along with some white wash cloths in a basket to make a functional, yet thoughtful sentiment.

Donation - A monetary donation or one of gift cards to pet supply and discount stores for supply use are both very welcome and appreciated gifts that are perfect for your favorite wildlife rehabilitator. This is actually the best gift to choose if you are unsure of what to give, because it opens the opportunity for the rehabilitator to purchase exactly what is needed. Be careful to choose gift cards that do not decline in value over time, and choose a card for a versatile store to include the most options.

Garbage Bags - This sounds like a funny gift, but the big yellow garbage bags often sold as fundraiser items are very well appreciated gifts for wildlife rehabilitators. These bags are VERY sturdy and hold a lot of junk without easily tearing. And, they are typically sold in large quantities.

Receiving Blankets - Typically considered a gift for newborns, receiving blankets help injured wildlife feel secure and comforted. A package of these items can be as little as $8.00 and offer many generations of use for dozens of orphaned and recovering wildlife.

Whatever you choose to give to your favorite wildlife rehabilitator in support of their dedication and commitment to injured and orphaned animals, chances are it will be an appreciated gesture that will be well regarded for several months to come, especially spring when a new group of baby orphaned animals will come through the wildlife rehabilitator's home and heart. Happy Holidays!