It is within the historical and societal scope of human nature to want to protect, help and save the lives of others. Choosing to work with native wildlife is a complex issue that goes well beyond the simple act of taking care of cute little animals.
We rehabilitate animals because it is a necessary, humane response to injuries and other conditions caused by conflicts between humans and wildlife.
We rehabilitate to teach natural history, awareness and understanding of wildlife issues.
Where do we draw the line?
Over the years, we have heard from those who think there are too many red foxes, squirrels, ducks, coyotes, opossums, woodchucks, pelicans, owls, geese, deer and hawks. If we eliminated all species that people say are “too common”, are “junk species”, or are “over-populated”, what would be left? There are “wildlife rehabilitators” who admit only ‘newsworthy’ animals to their facilities- strictly for their publicity value. TreeHouse has never ascribed to that way of thinking.
There is little to compare to the ‘newsworthiness’ of an animal such as an injured American bald eagle- our national symbol- but, there are at least 11,000 citizens out there who have brought in a “common” orphaned, or injured wild animal and donated money to help TreeHouse continue its mission. TreeHouse was built and has sustained itself for 31 years by caring for red foxes, squirrels, ducks, coyotes, opossums, woodchucks, pelicans, owls, geese, hawks- and even a few turtles- all very, very common animals.
