Spring Fever-Wildlife Style

Just in case none of the students were aware, the first of the orphan rush has arrived at the Wildlife Medical Clinic signaling the beginning of spring and hinting at the warmer weather yet to come. The beautiful weather this weekend had citizens outside and discovering all sorts of wildlife. At the clinic, we consider ourselves the "police" and "protectors" of nature. It is our job to make sure that no babynappings are occurring! As a reminder, if you do stumble across an orphan, check to make sure it is nice and healthy, pink, and seems content. If it is not any of those, then there is a possibility that it actually is orphaned. With many of the prey species, even the most careful of human observers will not see the mom, because she knows that her presence will attract predators. "Abandoned" babies is one reason that we receive many baby bunnies and fawns. As always, anyone is more than welcome to call the clinic to ask for help or advice.

This spring has also been a busy season for fundraisers. We had the 10th annual Doodle for Wildlife on March 5, 2011. It was a wonderful and very successful time. The Wildlife Medical Clinic also sponsored its very first paintball tournament fundraiser on April 3, 2011. While both of these events were successful, the Wildlife Medical Clinic has seen a decrease in donations. The Wildlife Medical Clinic is completely donation and volunteer run. Donations are tax deductable and all donations go towards the care of the injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife and the five resident raptors.

As we move into summer, we expect to be swamped with animals that need our care. Working with wildlife is both an honor and a privilege, that we do not take lightly. We greatly appreciate your partnering with us through your donations and support.

It's the super Fur Bowl!!!

Burrowing in for the Holidays

As we enter the Holiday season, the Wildlife Medical Clinic is typically visited by fewer patients. Many of our native wildlife have traveled further south or are burrowed in to wait out the long, cold nights. However, our residents are just as busy if not more busy now teaching us humans about their kind. Nokomis, Odin, Noelle, and Pistol have been making appearances all over Champaign County in order to help teach people about what we do at the clinic.

Even though he has not made his public debut, RJ is just as busy as the other raptors. We have been training him to step onto our arms on command, perch, and step into his kennel when asked. The imaginary buttons on our scrubs are pretty much bursting off! We are so proud of our newest addition. As the days keep getting shorter, and the nights (and days) are getting colder, our little friends stay inside. We keep them entertained by working with them and hiding their food in their kennels so they have to "work" a little for it. Yet, we are certain when they tuck their heads in, they are "itching" for spring and warmer weather just like we are.

A night out for the clinic

Tonight V. Picasso will be holding a fundraiser for the wildlife clinic. From 4-11pm V. Picasso will be donating 20% of your bill(not including alcohol) to the Wildlife Medical Clinic. This is a great opportunity to check out this new tapas bar and the yummy food they have available. It is also a great opportunity to donate to the clinic so we can continue to help and rehabilitate local wildlife. There are over 120 student volunteers that help keep the clinic running and work hard to take care of over 1500 animals annually. This is a fantastic opportunity to thank all of these students and show your support for the wildlife clinic. Remember, you must have previously printed out the V. Picasso flyer to make sure that 20% is donated to the wildlife clinic. If you're anticipating a large group of people then it is best to make reservations. So come out to support the clinic and have a good time.

V. Picasso is located at 214 W. Main St. in Urbana. You can find flyers online here.