04/18/2025
As we head into the Easter weekend, these orphaned baby cottontails—currently being raised by our licensed wildlife rehabilitation team—are here with a gentle reminder: Please, don’t kidnap healthy wildlife!
Each spring, wildlife rehabilitation centers like ours see an increase in well-meaning people picking up baby rabbits, birds, and other young animals who they think are orphaned. But in many cases, those babies are healthy, being cared for, and should have been left alone. Unless an animal is clearly injured or in imminent danger, the best thing you can do is observe from a distance and call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
Also, please remember that it is illegal to keep wild animals as pets. They require specialized diets, care, and handling to survive—and even small mistakes can be fatal. If you ever find a wild animal in need of help, the most compassionate act is to get them to licensed professionals trained to help.
This Easter, we also urge families to avoid spontaneously buying live rabbits, chicks, and other animals as holiday gifts. Many are later surrendered or abandoned when the novelty wears off. If you can no longer care for a domestic animal, please do not release it into parks or natural areas—this is dangerous for both the animal and local wildlife. Instead, reach out to a domestic animal shelter or rescue group.
Want to support local wildlife this weekend?
• Keep trails and natural spaces clean—don’t litter
• Keep pets leashed when outside
• Avoid disturbing nests or dens
• Donate to your local wildlife rehab center
• Share this message to spread awareness
As for these two little bunnies—they're doing great! They're now fully weaned from formula and are thriving on solids, munching down $5/day in fresh bunny salad mix, hay, and pellets. Your support makes this possible!
Thank you for celebrating compassion this Easter—for wildlife, for nature, and for our shared environment.
