Marley's Castle Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation, Holly, MI (2026)

06/18/2026

Current intake requirement: Must have at least one of the following:
✅ Tiny criminal hands
✅ Unreasonable level of drama
✅ Strong opinions about everything
✅ Ability to judge us without saying a word

Apparently, Marley’s Castle has become a refuge for the world’s most dramatic baby raccoons.

Lately, every intake photo looks less like wildlife rehabilitation and more like a casting call for a reality TV show.

Photo 1: “Current mood: The audacity. The betrayal. The injustice.”

Photo 2: “I would like to file a formal complaint regarding this entire situation.”

Photo 3: “UNHAND ME, PEASANT!”

Photo 4: “Excuse me? I specifically requested room service and grapes.”

Meanwhile, we’re over here trying to explain that we are literally providing free food, housing, medical care, and 24-hour concierge service.

The response? Tiny hisses. Tiny screams. Tiny judgment.

To be fair, many of these babies have had a rough start. They’ve been orphaned, injured, displaced, or separated from mom, so we don’t blame them for being a little upset about ending up in the hands of giant hairless primates.

But we do find it hilarious that within hours of arriving, they somehow develop the confidence of a CEO who just got asked to attend a meeting that could have been an email.

Don’t worry, little ones. Your complaints have been noted and immediately ignored.

Who else thinks baby raccoons have mastered the art of looking personally offended by absolutely everything? 🦝😂

______________
Marley’s Castle Wildlife Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that runs solely on donations. Without your generosity, the work we do would not be possible. Thank you for your support!

𝓦𝓪𝔂𝓼 ᴛᴏ 🄳 🄾 🄽 🄰 🅃 🄴
• PayPal.me/MarleysCastleRescue
• Venmo:
• Cash App: $MarleysCastle
• Amazon Wish List: https://amzn.to/48tYwUS
• Mail: 912 N. Saginaw St., Holly, MI 48442

06/16/2026

The Power of A Second Chance 🖤

Swipe to see why every raccoon deserves a chance. ❤️🦝

If you had only seen the second photo, what would you have thought?

Many people would assume this raccoon was beyond help. Some might guess distemper. Others might assume euthanasia was the only option.

But guesses aren’t diagnoses.

Meet Union.

When Union arrived, she was in terrible condition. Her face was severely injured and swollen, and she looked nothing like the bright-eyed raccoon you see in the first photo. To many people, she may have appeared hopeless.

That’s exactly why proper assessment and rehabilitation are so important.

Wildlife cannot tell us what happened to them. They rely on trained rehabilitators and veterinarians to look beyond appearances and determine what is actually going on. Injuries, infections, parasites, trauma, dehydration, and many other conditions can dramatically change how an animal looks, but appearances alone don’t tell the whole story.

Union was given a chance.

Through months of medical care, proper nutrition, rest, and a lot of patience, she slowly healed. Today, the same animal that once looked so broken is healthy, alert, and thriving.

Every year we receive calls about wildlife that people have already written off based solely on appearance. While not every patient can be saved, every patient deserves a proper assessment before anyone decides their fate.

A huge shout-out to Anna, whose compassion made this story possible. When others may have looked at Union and seen a raccoon beyond saving, Anna saw a life worth fighting for. She not only recognized that Union mattered, but also arranged round-trip transportation to get her to us, knowing that if there was a chance to save her, we would do everything possible to help.

Because Anna cared enough to act, Union got that chance.

❤️ Thank you, Anna, for seeing beyond the injuries and helping give Union the future she deserved.

⁉️Before reading her story, what would you have guessed was wrong with Union based on the intake photo alone?
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06/13/2026

We were trying to limit our intakes this weekend, but we’re clearly off to a rough start.

Yesterday’s admissions:
🐿️ 2 injured chipmunks
🐀 1 injured adult opossum
🦝 2 injured adult raccoons
🐿️ 1 baby fox squirrel
🦝 8 baby raccoons

And sadly, all but the last three patients arrived covered in ticks, maggots, or both.

Just when we thought we might finally be done for the evening, we received a local call about an injured baby raccoon wandering around a driveway.

When we arrived, our first thought was that the baby looked healthy. We were already discussing whether a reunion with Mom might be possible when we heard another baby crying in the distance.

Then another.

By the time we finished searching the area, we found 3 babies spread out in different yards.

These babies are only about four weeks old. At this age, they should still be safely tucked away in their den with their mother. Finding them spread out and alone strongly suggests that something happened to Mom.

As wildlife rehabilitators, cases like this are bittersweet. We are grateful these little ones were found before dehydration, predators, or traffic had a chance to claim them. At the same time, it’s hard not to feel sad for them because they were clearly so loved.

They are healthy, plump, clean, and thriving—which tells us they had a devoted mother who was doing exactly what she was supposed to do. Somewhere along the way, something interrupted that.

Not every intake today had a happy ending.

One of the most heartbreaking calls involved a baby raccoon found curled up on top of a deceased sibling. Scenes like that are difficult to witness and even harder to forget. Baby season is full of adorable moments, but it also comes with tremendous loss.

Tonight, all of these babies are safe, warm, and sleeping with full bellies. We can’t replace their mother, but we can make sure they get the second chance she would have wanted for them.

Wildlife baby season is in full swing, and we are doing our best to keep up.

Thank you to everyone who stops, calls, and cares enough to help. All of these animals have a second chance because someone cared.

To help, shop our wishlist: https://amzn.to/48tYwUS

06/11/2026

911: “What’s your emergency?”
Caller: “There’s a vicious raccoon terrorizing our party!”

Cue TWO Troy police vehicles responding for what was apparently described as a tiny masked criminal running around “attacking” guests trying to enjoy an outdoor gathering. 🚔🦝

What officers actually found was… this baby. A scared, confused, orphaned raccoon who immediately wanted to be held and comforted... just a 3-pound baby looking for a bottle and emotional support.

The sad reality is this little one is around 10 weeks old and his behavior tells us a very different story. At this age, a wild raccoon should already be eating solid foods independently, avoiding humans, and sticking close to natural cover. Instead, this baby:
• Runs directly to people for comfort
• Cries for a bottle
• Appears fearful and socially awkward around other raccoons

These are NOT normal wild baby behaviors. Unfortunately, all signs point to this little guy being raised by people and later dumped at the park.

And for everyone who has tried reaching out to us lately and struggled to get through… trust us, we know. This season has been beyond overwhelming. Intake numbers are absolutely record-breaking and we are drowning in every aspect of rescue right now. Between orphaned babies, injured wildlife, emergency calls, feeding schedules, medical care, transport coordination, and trying to answer messages, there simply are not enough hours in the day.

But if you ever truly find a baby that is sick, injured, in immediate danger, or clearly orphaned and you cannot find immediate help:
• Keep them contained somewhere warm and quiet
• Do NOT feed random foods or cow’s milk
• Keep pets and people away
• Continue trying licensed rehabilitators until help is available
______________

Marley’s Castle Wildlife Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that runs solely on donations. Without your generosity, the work we do would not be possible. Thank you for your support!

𝓦𝓪𝔂𝓼 ᴛᴏ 🄳 🄾 🄽 🄰 🅃 🄴
• PayPal.me/MarleysCastleRescue
• Venmo:
• Amazon Wish List: https://amzn.to/48tYwUS

06/09/2026

This morning, a young Virginia opossum mother’s life changed in an instant after being struck by a vehicle. Thankfully, Dominique stopped, safely moved her out of the road, and rushed her to us for help. ❤️

When she arrived, we discovered two tiny babies still alive in her pouch, clinging tightly to their mother. Sadly, it appears many of her other babies were lost on impact. Opossums can give birth to up to 13 babies at a time, but only the babies that successfully make it into the pouch survive. Seeing just two remaining babies holding on was both heartbreaking and powerful.

Too often, animals hit on the road are left behind without anyone stopping to check for survivors. With opossums especially, that can mean orphaned babies are left inside the pouch with no chance of survival. Please, if it is safe to do so, always check for babies or contact a wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.

Did you know?
🩶 Virginia opossums are North America’s ONLY marsupial, meaning mothers carry and nurse their babies in a pouch, similar to kangaroos.
🩶 Baby opossums are born incredibly tiny — about the size of a honeybee!
🩶 Opossums are wonderful for our ecosystem and help humans more than most people realize. They eat thousands of ticks every season, helping reduce the spread of tick-borne illnesses.
🩶 They are highly resistant to snake venom and rarely carry rabies due to their naturally low body temperature.
🩶 Despite their rough reputation, opossums are generally gentle, shy, and non-aggressive animals that would much rather avoid conflict than fight.

Here in Michigan, Virginia opossums play an important role in keeping our environment healthy. They quietly clean up carrion, consume insects and rodents, and help maintain balance in nature.

Please slow down, especially at night when wildlife is most active. One small moment of compassion can mean the difference between life and death for an entire family.

We are incredibly grateful to Dominique for stopping when so many others may have driven by. Because of her kindness, these two babies now have a chance. 🩶
______________

06/08/2026

We are absolutely heartbroken and furious.

Today, we took in two baby raccoons under circumstances that are almost too cruel to comprehend. These babies never even had the chance for us to perform a proper orphan assessment to determine whether intervention was necessary — because we had no choice but to step in immediately.

They were found lying beside several blocks of rodent poison.

One of the babies was already laying on its side and showing neurological symptoms that are tragically consistent with rodenticide poisoning. The property owner told us they would never put poison out and don’t believe their neighbors would either. What makes this even more disturbing is that the poison blocks were scattered around the babies, almost as if they had been intentionally tossed near them.

No matter how this happened, the outcome is the same: two innocent babies are now fighting for their lives because poison was introduced into the environment.

This is exactly why wildlife poison is so dangerous.

Rodenticides are among the most indiscriminate and inhumane forms of pest control available. They are designed to attract animals with flavors that entice them to eat the poison, but what follows is prolonged suffering, neurological damage, internal bleeding, organ failure, seizures, and agonizing death. And it doesn’t stop with the intended target. Wildlife, pets, birds of prey, scavengers, and even entire ecosystems can be devastated by secondary poisoning.

No animal deserves to suffer like this.

We are begging people to stop using these products. There are safer, humane alternatives to managing rodent problems that do not involve leaving deadly toxins in the environment for innocent animals to encounter.

Please do better. Wildlife deserves better.
______________

Marley’s Castle Wildlife Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that runs solely on donations. Without your generosity, the work we do would not be possible. Thank you for your support!

06/05/2026

Late last night, we received a call from the Oakland County Sheriff's Office about a raccoon who had been attacked by a dog.

Meet Halsey. 🦝 As you can probably tell from his expression, he wasn’t exactly excited to see us! Despite his grumpy face, he’s now safe and receiving the care he needs.

Halsey appears to have been grabbed around his lower abdomen and hind end. Right now, we’re hopeful that his injuries aren’t too severe, but dog attacks can sometimes cause damage that isn’t immediately visible. We’ll know much more once we can get X-rays and complete a thorough examination.

For now, Halsey could use all the positive thoughts, prayers, and healing vibes you can send his way as we work to determine the extent of his injuries.

A special thank you to our local OCSO for their compassion and quick response. Their willingness to help and ensure Halsey got the care he needed made all the difference. We are incredibly grateful for community partners who care about wildlife as much as we do.

Stay tuned for updates on this handsome little guy! 🖤🦝
______________

Marley’s Castle Wildlife Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that runs solely on donations. Without your generosity, the work we do would not be possible. Thank you for your support!

𝓦𝓪𝔂𝓼 ᴛᴏ 🄳 🄾 🄽 🄰 🅃 🄴
• PayPal.me/MarleysCastleRescue
• Venmo:
• Cash App: $MarleysCastle
• Chewy Wish List: https://bit.ly/3OPraZL
• Amazon Wish List: https://amzn.to/48tYwUS
• Make us your Kroger charity!
• Mail: 912 N. Saginaw St., Holly, MI 48442

🅸ᴛᴇᴍs 🅆 🄴 αℓωαуѕ 🅽🅴🅴🅳
• Dog/cat food (any age)
• Potty pads
• Rescue Disinfectant
• Blankets/towels
• Formula (fox valley for raccoons)

06/04/2026

Last night, we took in a tiny baby raccoon after several compassionate people jumped into action to help him get to us. Sadly, despite everyone’s efforts, he passed away early this morning.

This little one had been found in a pond and was already struggling with aspiration pneumonia from inhaling water. The homeowners had tried drying him off and leaving him outside in hopes that mom would return for him, which we understand came from a place of wanting to help. Unfortunately, babies in distress can quickly decline, and while he was left outside, opportunistic flies laid eggs all over his fragile little body — including inside his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. His ears were also filled with ticks, which is generally a major red flag in baby raccoons and often a sign that something is very wrong.

By the time he reached us, his tiny body had simply been through too much.

We want to sincerely thank Kari, Cheyla, Mike, Christine, and Holly for stepping up and doing everything they could to get this baby to safety when others were unable or unwilling to transport him. It truly takes a village sometimes, and we are incredibly grateful for people who care enough to act.

We know it is extremely difficult right now to find help for baby raccoons. Rescues everywhere are overwhelmed, and many people feel lost when they encounter babies in need. But if you find a baby raccoon that is clearly sick, injured, covered in parasites, cold, lethargic, crying nonstop, or in immediate danger, please do not simply leave them outside or toss them into the woods.

Keep them warm, contained, and safe while you work on finding help. Even if you cannot immediately locate a rehabilitator, giving them protection from the elements, predators, insects, and further suffering can make all the difference.

This little boy mattered. We only wish his story ended differently. 💔
______________

Marley’s Castle Wildlife Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that runs solely on donations. Thank you for your support!

06/02/2026

More orphaned babies have arrived. 💔🦝

These two sisters recently came to us from the Swartz Creek area after being found wandering alone and desperately trying to follow people and children.

As heartbreaking as it is to witness, this is often what happens when young raccoons become separated from their mother. Babies rely completely on mom for safety, guidance, and survival. When she’s suddenly gone, they will often follow anyone—or anything—they believe might help them, hoping to find the comfort and security they have lost.

The little girl in the front is missing her left eye, likely due to a congenital defect present from birth. While she has a reduced field of vision, she navigates her environment well and doesn’t let it slow her down. At this point, we expect her to be fully releasable alongside her sister when the time comes.

For now, both girls have a long journey ahead. They will remain in our care while they complete their vaccination series, continue to grow, and learn the important skills they’ll need to become wild raccoons capable of surviving on their own.

This time of year is incredibly busy for wildlife rehabilitators. We are currently taking in new babies almost daily and are working hard to accommodate a growing number of patients, volunteers, and supply needs. We are also expanding our raccoon housing and release areas so we can continue helping as many animals as possible.

If you’d like to support our work, please consider checking out our Amazon Wishlist:

🛒 https://amzn.to/48tYwUS

Every donation, no matter how small, helps provide food, medical care, enrichment, housing materials, and a second chance for babies like these.

Thank you for helping us give them the future they deserve. 🖤
______________

Marley’s Castle Wildlife Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that runs solely on donations. Without your generosity, the work we do would not be possible. Thank you for your support!

𝓦𝓪𝔂𝓼 ᴛᴏ 🄳 🄾 🄽 🄰 🅃 🄴
• PayPal.me/MarleysCastleRescue
• Venmo:
• Cash App: $MarleysCastle
• Make us your Kroger charity!

06/01/2026

SUCCESSFUL REUNITE! 🦝❤️

Did we get the money shot of mom carrying her baby away?

No.

Did our camera placement completely fail us at the most important moment?

Also yes. 😅

But the reunite was a success, and honestly, this photo of mom might tell the story even better.

Mom showed up, collected her baby, and then gave us this look that seems to say:

“Yes, that’s my child. Why are you asking? Kindly mind your own business.”

If you’ve ever worked with raccoon moms, you know this expression well. They are fiercely devoted, highly protective, and absolutely not interested in hearing anyone’s opinions about their parenting decisions.

While we’re disappointed we missed the actual pickup on camera, we’re thrilled that this little one is safely back where it belongs—with mom.

And judging by this photo, we’d better stop asking questions before she files a formal complaint. 🦝😂

______________

Marley’s Castle Wildlife Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that runs solely on donations. Without your generosity, the work we do would not be possible. Thank you for your support!

𝓦𝓪𝔂𝓼 ᴛᴏ 🄳 🄾 🄽 🄰 🅃 🄴
• PayPal.me/MarleysCastleRescue
• Venmo:
• Cash App: $MarleysCastle
• Chewy Wish List: https://bit.ly/3OPraZL
• Amazon Wish List: https://amzn.to/48tYwUS
• Make us your Kroger charity!
• Mail: 912 N. Saginaw St., Holly, MI 48442

🅸ᴛᴇᴍs 🅆 🄴 αℓωαуѕ 🅽🅴🅴🅳
• Dog/cat food (any age)
• Potty pads
• Rescue Disinfectant
• Blankets/towels
• Formula (fox valley for raccoons)

Marley's Castle Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation

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