Following is a selected project highlight from the Share with Wildlife mission to assist all New Mexico wildlife in need, no matter what species.
Container for injured hummingbirds. (Ginny Seamster)
Have you found an injured bird that can’t fly? Have you encountered a nestling that appears to have been abandoned by its parents? Do you want to know what you can do about it? If you live in the Albuquerque area, then Wildlife Rescue Inc. of New Mexico is the place to call to get your questions about injured or orphaned wildlife answered. Wildlife Rescue is based at the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park and has a vast network of trained wildlife rehabbers who they can call on to care for wildlife that needs treatment prior to being released back into the wild. Upwards of 2,000 animals often pass through Wildlife Rescue’s doors in a given year.
Examination area at Wildlife Rescue Inc. (Ginny Seamster)
Outdoor facilities for rehabilitating songbirds. (Seamster)
Wildlife Rescue Inc. is a great place to start if you’ve found a wild animal in the Albuquerque area that you think may need help. Wildlife Rescue Inc. volunteers will be able to tell you whether it is appropriate to move the animal and bring it to their facility at the state park. Their volunteers will perform an examination on any animals brought in to determine what can be done for them. While members of the public are not permitted to observe the examinations, you can request a follow-up for information on the animal’s status.
Wildlife Rescue Inc. has capacity to house songbirds, including mourning doves and house finches, and some waterfowl on site for treatment and recuperation. They can send larger birds and mammals to rehabbers in their extensive volunteer network. They have enclosures on site that they use to determine whether birds are eating properly on their own prior to releasing them.
Indoor enclosures for wildlife patients. (Ginny Seamster)
Wildlife Rescue Inc. also provides a multitude of educational opportunities for a diversity of audiences. Educational sessions are held at a variety of facilities, including local schools and universities, National Wildlife Refuges, and other state parks. They typically bring educational animals, which cannot be released to the wild, to inform their presentations. Please contact Wildlife Rescue Inc. if you are interested in a wildlife presentation at a local event!