It's that time of year again! The sun is out, the weather has warmed up and the wild animals and birds are very active getting ready for breeding season.
Today, I was driving and saw a green slider turtle in the road. I have a soft spot for turtles. I think they are so cute! I just hate when I see them trying to cross busy streets. Most get injured or killed. I think it must be terrifying for these peaceful slow creatures to have to cross hot pavement with cars whizzing by and over them. If at all possible, I will stop and help them across the street or will pick them up and relocate them to a safe area where there are other turtles.
The turtle I was helping today unfortunately had been injured. There was blood. I saw a laceration on his front foot, and he had a serious eye injury. Otherwise, the shell and the rest of his body looked okay. I thought with some medical attention he could probably be fixed up and released. This was a job for a wildlife rehabber. Time to make a drive to the TWRC.
TWRC stands for Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coahilition. These hardworking state certified volunteers (you must be certified to take in wildlife - owning a native animal/bird is illegal) nurse injured wildlife back to health with the optimum goal of re-releasing them. Most people although well intentioned, do not have the expertise to this properly. Please, for the animal's sake, if you find injured wildlife bring it to the experts!
I had not been to their new location. It is really nice! Much bigger than the old location. They have a really neat reception area where a few of their permanent wildlife residents are kept. I got to see a wild squirrel up close as well as several reptiles and even owls! The staff is friendly and helpful.
Since it is run by volunteers they have limited operating hours. I suggest if you find an injured animal or bird, give them a call before driving over. Their phone message gives you instructions in what to do with the animal until you can get it some help.
Their new location is at 10801 Hammerly. It is right off I-10/Beltway 8 North. I am in Richmond (West of Houston past Katy) and I was there and back in an hour. I think most people in the Houston area could get there in about 30 minutes or less.
The TWRC is funded solely by donations, which are tax deductible. If you bring an animal/bird there for help, please give them a donation to help with the cost of it's care if you are able. Any amount you can spare will be graciously accepted. You can also donate online through their website! Again, any amount will help to keep this fine organization running. You never know when you might need them!
They also have youth and educational outreach programs available. See their website for more information: http://www.twrc-houston.org/
Thursday, March 22, 2012
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