Animal
Emergency

Important: many species of mammals and birds leave their young alone while they go out to feed. So, one or more young animals without an adult nearby are not necessarily orphaned.

If it’s a mammal:

After birth, young mammals grow in a nest, den, or shelter. The mother may leave them alone for several hours a day while she goes out to feed.

• If the young are nestled in their nest or shelter and appear healthy, do not touch them—the mother is likely nearby.
• If the young appear clearly in distress—injured, starving, disoriented outside their nest or den, or if the mother is deceased—contact the nearest wildlife rescue center or the Miller Zoo at: (418 479-2000 – [email protected])

Important !

Do not attempt to feed the animal (unless instructed otherwise). Keep it warm and safe in a transport box and bring it to a rescue center as soon as possible.

If it’s a bird:

Important: when young birds leave the nest, they are not yet strong flyers. They may spend several days on the ground or in shrubs while their parents continue to feed and watch over them.

• If the bird is on the ground, has feathers, is alert, and able to move, observe your surroundings. The parents are likely nearby, in the trees, watching over it (you may hear them calling as you approach). Do not touch it.
• If the bird has little or no feathers, its eyes are closed, or it has visible injuries, contact the nearest wildlife rescue center or the Miller Zoo.

Important !

Do not attempt to feed or give water to the bird (unless instructed otherwise). Keep it warm and safe in a transport box and bring it to a rescue center as soon as possible.

Warning: many wild mammals may carry rabies or other diseases transmissible to humans (foxes, raccoons, bats…). Before taking any action, contact the nearest wildlife rescue center to find out the proper procedure.

If immediate action is required, wear leather gloves when handling the animal and secure the head first. Bites from raccoons or foxes can be serious. Place the animal in a box or transport cage and bring it to the nearest rescue center.

Contact Miller Zoo Animal Emergency: 418-479-2000 ext. 231

If there is no answer, please email us at: [email protected]