Giaquinto Wildlife Center

06/19/2026

♥️ A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Wildlife Community ♥️

While we were disappointed that a statewide rodenticide phase-out was not included in the House version of the Mass Ready Act, this campaign showed just how much support wildlife conservation has gained across Massachusetts.

In less than 24 hours, more than 3,000 people contacted their legislators, and 82 Representatives signed on in support of the proposal. That incredible response demonstrates that protecting wildlife and pets from the impacts of anticoagulant rodenticides is an issue that resonates across the Commonwealth.

⚠️ One important thing many people don’t realize is that most of our local State Representatives never had the opportunity to cast a direct vote on the rodenticide amendment. Because of the legislative process, the amendment was not included in the final package brought before the House, so members voted on the consolidated bill rather than on the amendment itself.

The effort now moves to a Conference Committee, where House and Senate members will work together to develop the final version of the legislation. We remain hopeful that wildlife protections will continue to be part of those discussions.

Thank you to everyone who made phone calls, sent emails, and spoke up for Massachusetts wildlife. Every conversation raises awareness, every action builds momentum, and every voice matters. Let’s keep working together to protect our owls, hawks, foxes, and all of the native wildlife that make Massachusetts home.

A quick note: Yesterday’s post was never meant to upset anyone. Wildlife rehabilitators across Massachusetts were sharing photos of real patients, animals we have cared for in the past and those we are currently treating, that were affected by secondary rodenticide poisoning. These images were never shared to shock anyone or to be graphic. They were shared because they represent the reality we see every day, and there are still people who don’t realize the impact these poisons can have on unintended wildlife. While I always try to keep this page positive, sometimes the truth needs to be seen to truly be understood. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and continued support of our mission. 💚🦉

06/18/2026

‼️Warning! Graphic images of SGARs victims ‼️

This is the photo I spared everyone yesterday in my post.

Today, because of the disappointment of yesterday’s House vote, I’m sharing it. People need to see what rodenticide poisoning victims look like.

These young fox kits were being fed poisoned mice by their parents. As I shared yesterday, the parents disappeared days earlier, likely after eating the same poisoned rodents they were bringing back to their babies.

Left alone, these kits slowly died. In their final moments, they huddled together for comfort under a broken down car.

This is what rodenticide poisoning looks like.

Yesterday, the Massachusetts House of Representatives did not adopt Amendment #10 to the Mass Ready Act, which would have phased out the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) statewide.

Across Massachusetts, thousands of beloved pets and wildlife, including owls, hawks, eagles, foxes, bobcats, and coyotes are poisoned by these toxic rodenticides. Many suffer prolonged, painful deaths after eating contaminated prey.

Those of us who care deeply about wildlife are heartbroken and deeply disappointed. Massachusetts wildlife deserves better. Our pets deserve better. Our children deserve better.

These poisons don’t just kill rodents, they move through the food chain, poisoning the very predators that naturally keep rodent populations in check. Until meaningful action is taken, tragedies like this will continue.

Wildlife can’t speak for themselves. We have to.

06/18/2026

“We lost… again to SGARs”

And Massachusetts’ wildlife lost again to SGARs yesterday.

The House did not vote to include the phase-out ban of SGARs in the Mass Ready Act. Disappointed doesn’t begin to describe it.

SGARs continue to poison and kill the very predators that naturally control our rodent populations like owls, hawks, foxes, bobcats, coyotes, and many other native species.

Until lawmakers start making laws to protect our wildlife, these tragedies will continue, and we will continue to decimate our native wildlife here in Massachusetts.

These animals deserve better from us.

We lost… again to SGARS. This baby bled out, and even from her eyes. Still think rodenticides don’t affect anything but the rat/mouse? Take a good look at poison doing what poison does.
BAN SGARS.
Madison Red Tailed Hawk baby admitted actively dying

06/17/2026

Action Alert 🚨

Today, June 17, the House of Representatives is taking up the Mass Ready Act, and Amendment #10 would phase out the use of anticoagulant rodenticides statewide.

Across Massachusetts, thousands of beloved pets and wildlife, including owls, hawks, and foxes, are being poisoned by these toxic rodenticides. And many die after suffering prolonged, painful deaths from ingesting rodenticides through contaminated prey.

Make your voice heard!

Contact your representatives today and urge them to support this amendment. We need them to hear from as many supporters as possible before they vote on June 17.

Speak up: https://web.massaudubon.org/site/Advocacy?page=UserAction&cmd=display&id=377

06/17/2026

This was the lone survivor of a family of three-week-old fox kits.

After his blood was drawn, it was discovered it would not clot properly. A classic sign of secondary anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning. Within minutes, he was gone. There was nothing that could save him.

His parents had disappeared days earlier, likely victims of the same poison.

The heartbreaking part? Before they died, his parents were unknowingly bringing poisoned mice back to their den, believing they were feeding and caring for their babies. Instead, they were delivering the very poison that would take their entire family.

His siblings… I’ll spare you that photo. They were found huddled together beneath a vehicle, seeking shelter in their final hours. One by one, they died. Five tiny fox kits. Gone.

It was one of the most heartbreaking scenes I’ve ever witnessed as a wildlife rehabilitator.

Does this upset you? It should.

Tomorrow, you have the opportunity to help prevent tragedies like this.

🚨URGENT ACTION NEEDED IN MASSACHUSETTS 🚨

Tomorrow, the Massachusetts House of Representatives will vote on the Mass Ready Act. Amendment #10 would phase out the use of anticoagulant rodenticides statewide.

Every year, thousands of owls, hawks, foxes, bobcats, coyotes, and even beloved pets suffer slow, painful deaths after being poisoned by eating contaminated prey. This is a preventable tragedy.

Please contact your State Representative today and urge them to vote YES on Amendment #10.

➡️ https://web.massaudubon.org/site/Advocacy?page=UserAction&cmd=display&id=377

Wildlife doesn’t have a voice.

Today, you can be theirs.

06/17/2026

UPDATE ON OUR CHELMSFORD FOX:

If it takes 20 minutes or longer, we can’t save them…

Their blood is supposed to clot in 2-5 minutes. Every minute after increases their chances of dying.

Her blood took 18 minutes to clot. She was close to the cut off. She required a transfusion. When I tell you that four out of five foxes we receive are dealing with the effects of secondary rat poison - I’m very serious. It’s a plague on our wildlife.

All our predators that eat rodents are affected after eating poisoned rats and mice. The effects are devastating.

Our rescue spends thousands on plasma and blood transfusions every year to help our predators deal with the secondary effects of Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides. It did the trick for this young female red fox but many of our predator species aren’t so lucky.

Here’s the kicker….

If you are in MA and want to do something about it…you have till TOMORROW.

Tomorrow, the House of Representatives is taking up the Mass Ready Act, and Amendment #10 would phase out the use of anticoagulant rodenticides statewide.

I’m begging you - PLEASE contact your reps today and urge them to support this amendment. We need them to hear from as many supporters as possible before they vote on June 17.

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!

Now is the time to be their voice. More info below.

06/15/2026

💛 Wildlife rehabilitators make a difference. 💛

Sometimes animals arrive at our door literally on death’s doorstep; cold, injured, orphaned, dehydrated, or only moments away from losing their fight. When that happens, we do what wildlife rehabilitators across the country do every single day: we drop everything and work around the clock to give them a chance.

Sometimes they make it. Sometimes they don’t.

The truth is that wildlife rehabilitation can be heartbreaking. The long hours, sleepless nights, emotional losses, and constant demand can wear you down. But then there are moments like this.

The mallard duckling pictured on the left arrived at our center two years ago in critical condition. We worked tirelessly to stabilize him, providing supportive care day and night. The photo on the right was taken just 48 hours later.

Seeing an animal recover, regain strength, and get a second chance at life is what makes all of the hard days worthwhile. Those victories remind us why we do this work.

Right now, wildlife rehabilitators everywhere are stretched incredibly thin. Every day, injured, orphaned, sick, and displaced wildlife arrive at their doors needing immediate help. Many centers are operating at or beyond capacity while trying to provide the best care possible for every animal that comes through.

If you find an animal in need and are calling wildlife rehabilitators for assistance, please remember that many wildlife rehabilitators are caring for dozens or even hundreds of animals at the same time. We will always do our best to help, but patience and understanding go a long way.

Thank you for supporting the people who dedicate their lives to giving wildlife a second chance.

06/15/2026

🦉Bella the Barn Owl’s Coming Back!

Join her in July and August for Wildlife Heroes. Alyssa Giaquinto from Giaquinto Wildlife Center will talk about her work helping local animals, including Bella - and you can even participate in an owl pellet dissection!

Tickets are available on our website.

06/13/2026

Tonight’s the night! 🦉🍻🌙🤎

Stop by the historic Wayside Inn’s 1716 Beer Garden from 7–9 p.m. to meet Bella, our ambassador barn owl, learn about local wildlife conservation, and test your knowledge with some wildlife trivia.

One if by land, two if by sea, however you travel, we hope you’ll stop by and see Bella!

Sudbury Valley Trustees

06/11/2026

Join the Giaquinto Wildlife Center, Sudbury Valley Trustees, and The Wayside Inn Foundation for a memorable Saturday evening filled with owls, cold drinks, wildlife conservation, and great company!

🦉🍺Owl Prowlers and Growlers 🍺 🦉

📅 Saturday, June 13th
🕖 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 The Historic Wayside Inn – 1716 Beer Garden

Guests attending the sold-out Owl Prowl will enjoy a guided walk along the Innkeeper’s Trail, followed by an evening at the beautiful new 1716 Beer Garden.

Stop by our wildlife conservation table to:
🦉 Meet Bella, our ambassador Barn Owl
🎯 Test your knowledge with Wildlife Trivia and win prizes
🛍️ Browse our wildlife-themed merchandise, including Bella plush dolls and apparel
🌿 Learn about native wildlife conservation and how you can help protect wildlife right in your own backyard
📚 Discover the work we do every day to rescue, rehabilitate, educate, and inspire our community

Whether you’re joining friends for a drink, looking to learn something new, or simply want to meet an owl up close, there’s something for everyone!

⚠️ Please note: The Owl Prowl is currently FULL. However, we would love for you to stop by our tent in the 1716 Beer Garden! Meet Bella, participate in wildlife trivia, browse our merchandise, and learn all about wildlife conservation while enjoying fantastic brews in a beautiful outdoor setting.

We hope to see you there! 🍻🎶🦉