Wild Care Cape Cod

10/08/2026

Diamondback Terrapins hatch from one egg in a rare case of "twinning."

Wild Care cared for a cold-stunned Diamondback Terrapin turtle from Wellfleet that laid six eggs while in their care. Two hatched and were released, two were infertile, one is still being incubated. The final egg was truly unusual, and appears to be consistent with twinning within a single turtle egg. Twinning is when there are two separately formed hatchlings sharing a common yolk/yolk-sac system. While this phenomenon is well documented in turtles, it is extremely rare for them to develop into two live, well-developed hatchlings.

The turtles were successfully separated by our staff using a method recommended by Rob Adamski, DVM, and Tracy Zustra, Berkshire County Turtle Rescue, Inc. One turtle is larger than the other, and the smaller turtle has a slightly deformed plastron, but both are alert. The yolk sacs are now nearly absorbed. Soon the hatchlings can start swim time to prepare for release into the wild. Watch for updates on "the twins" soon!

Diamondback Terrapins are a protected species in Massachusetts.

10/07/2026

Please join Wild Care’s Director Stephanie Ellis TONIGHT Wednesday, October 7th at 8:30 PM Eastern Standard Time via Zoom. (Time listed on the flyer is PDT). Stephanie worked at SFBBO as their Outreach Specialist and then Interim Executive Director. Their mission of treating sustainable ecosystems through science, habitat restoration and education in the San Francisco Bay area is dear to her heart. Register via the link. Donations encouraged this is a fundraiser for SFBBO.

Register here: https://pro.software4nonprofits.com/.../cause.../MjQzODQx

❄️ Ever wondered how ducks’ feet stay warm on icy ponds? Or why some birds spend winter in frigid climates instead of migrating farther south?

Join Stephanie Ellis for a virtual Birdy Hour talk about how birds survive freezing temperatures and winter storms—and how we can help them thrive!

🔗 Register here: https://pro.software4nonprofits.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjQzODQx

10/05/2026

Wild Care Friends. We are in need of walnuts - shelled and unsalted (no spices or additives) please. They are sold at Ocean State Job Lot and available at local grocery stores. Our squirrels thank you in advance! Please drop off and leave outside our door any day between, 9AM - 5PM. (Please do not leave walnuts on our doorstep after hours. The squirrels on our property would think they hit the jackpot!

10/05/2026

We are THRILLED to partner with Animal Hospital of Orleans through their “Compassion in Action” Volunteer Program! 🐾

Last Friday, their incredible team visited Wild Care to kick off their commitment to volunteering with us—and we couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead!

Their skills, expertise, passion, and enthusiasm for animals will be an incredible addition to our work caring for wildlife. We’re so grateful to have such a dedicated team joining us in our mission to give injured, orphaned, and displaced wildlife the care they need to thrive.

This is what compassion in action looks like—and we can’t wait to see where this partnership takes us! More exciting things to come.

10/05/2026

Thank you to Tim Friary of Cape Cod Organic Farm for providing lots of sunflowers and sweet potatoes for our squirrel patients. Sunflowers are excellent for mental and physical enrichment, encouraging natural foraging, climbing, and chewing.

You can visit this beautiful farm for pesticide free seasonal fruits, veggies and flowers on Route 6A in Barnstable.

Video: Leah Myrbeck

10/01/2026

If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend, Wild Care will be at two exciting events on Sunday!

Join us at Barks in the Park at the Harwich Community Center from 10am-3pm. We’ll have a fun art activity for kids to do and have their dogs “sign” a pledge to be kind to wildlife. Admission is free.
https://sampsonfund.org/barks-in-the-park/

If you love music, join us at the Vinegrass Music Festival at Truro Vineyards from 12-5:30pm. Ticketed event.
https://vinegrass.org/

09/22/2026

Join us for an Inspiring Evening with Author & Beekeeper Laura Kelley, and Stephanie Ellis, our Executive Director, for a fascinating conversation about Laura’s new book, The Brilliance of Honeybees.

Together, they’ll explore the remarkable world of honeybees, the interconnectedness of all living creatures, and what we can do to help protect the pollinators and ecosystems we depend on.

📚 Snow Library - Orleans, MA, 67 Main Street
📅 Wednesday, September 30
⏰ 6:00 PM, all are welcome. No RSVP required

Come learn, connect, and discover how even small actions can make a difference for honeybees—and for the world we share. 🐝🌎

09/18/2026

If you’d like the chance to meet our charming educational ambassador Garv the Eastern Box Turtle, he will be visiting two very exciting events both for great causes this weekend. Stop by and say hi! 🐢 🐢 🐢

Saturday, 9/19
Paws for Joy
205 Old Main Street, S. Yarmouth
Pet Activities • Animal Meet & Greets • Family Fun!
Meet Garv 12:15-1pm
More Info: https://www.agfestival.org/

Sunday, 9/20
Rubber Duck Regatta
West Dennis Yacht Club
Food • Games • Family Fun!
More Info:
https://dennisconservationlandtrust.org/calendar/fall-duck-race/

09/18/2026

PIGEONS ARE NOT PROPS: This domestic pigeon was found on Main Street in Orleans and brought to us with the undersides of its wings spray-painted pink. We believe this bird may have been used as part of a gender reveal. It also has a badly fractured wing. Its wing is bandaged and we are providing pain management. Its band traces it back to a location near Boston.

We understand the joy of celebrating a new baby. But that celebration should not come at the expense of an animal.

Domestic pigeons are not disposable decorations. They are living, sentient beings that depend on people for appropriate care. Releasing a domestic bird unprepared for life on its own, or altered with brightly colored dye, can leave that animal vulnerable to hunger, injury, predators and exposure.

There are many creative, beautiful ways to celebrate a new baby that don’t involve releasing animals or leaving something harmful behind in the environment. This pigeon deserved better.

Plant pink or blue flowers, make a pink or blue cake, use colored lights, or donate to an organization in your baby's honor.

Please help us spread the word. Make celebrations kind to the planet that we all share.

The bird is eating well and will be placed with a loving permanent home once it heals.
💙💗

Executive Director, Stephanie ~