16 October 2024
The first meeting of the season featured Christy Hill from nature World Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary who gave an update on their activities since the death of the founder, Mary Opal earlier this year. They are still going at full throttle with their mission to rescue, rehab, and release of injured and orphaned wildlife. The animals that can be saved but not re-wilded are sent to organizations such as Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park, Clearwater Aquarium, locally or other similar places within the state for display and educational purposes.
They help with all types of birds from passerines to eagles to sandhill cranes. After the recent storms they have 150 baby squirrels that were found after falling or in downed trees. Other small mammals frequently helped are rabbits, possums, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, etc. Any larger mammals are beyond their capability as are marine animals.
Their facility has a 100 feet flight cage that is instrumental in rehabilitating birds of prey where they can be sure the hawks, eagles, ospreys, and others are able to fly and catch their food. In any given year they receive between 1000 and 1500 animals. UF Veterinary School, along with vets at Countryside, Midway, Urgent Pets, and Bird and Animal Hospital and others offer some free or reduced rate services.
Many of the injuries or illnesses presented are in some way human caused. In fact, Christy made a statement to the effect that she is surprised that birds still exist. With the spread of rodenticides, pesticides, car crashes, lead from bullets, birds flying into glass and screens you can see what she means.
There are strict Federal and State rules that they must follow. This year, stricter State regulations were put into place making it more difficult for volunteers to help.
Christy’s talk was very informative and we are glad she is here doing this work for all of us.