News

Spring has arrived and so has Baby Bird Season. If you find a baby bird, remember that the best option is to try to reunite the baby with its parents. Not every baby bird found on the ground is in need of rescue. To determine the best course of action, go to:
I Found a Baby Bird - Now What?   or    If You Find a Baby Bird

Baby mammals are also more numerous in the Spring, although raccoons and rabbits breed all year round in Florida. To learn more about dealing with baby mammals, go to
I Found a Baby Mammal - Now What?

Easter is this month, and the cute baby bunnies, ducks and chicks appearing in the pet stores are destined for children's Easter baskets. When these cuddly babies grow up, many are released to fend for themselves in the wild or surrendered to shelters.

Instead of a live animal as a gift, consider giving a plush toy rabbit, duck or chick. These toys are much more huggable than the real animal and require much less care. A chocolate bunny is another good choice. For more information, visit
Make Mine Chocolate!

Patient Information

Otters Again!

Florida Wildlife Hospital again has the opportunity to raise North American River Otters. At the hospital, they are nicknamed "Rotters" - short for rotten otters. They are one of the cutest patients but also one of the most demanding. The otters mature slower than most mammals and must be cared for until August or September.

The two orphaned otters came in separately but are good friends now. The staff at FWH is teaching them to swim and catch fish - lessons the mother otters must teach their babies. Soon the two otters will move to an outside cage with a swimming pool. The cage needed extensive renovations after housing eight otters last year.

If you would like to make a donation toward the $1,000 estimated cost to raise each otter, use the PayPal or JustGive buttons on the right or mail to Florida Wildlife Hospital, 4560 N. US Hwy 1, Melbourne, FL 32935. Please specify that the gift is "For the Otters".

Donations of $100 or more will allow you to receive a photo of the otters and periodic e-mail updates on their condition. Click here for more information.

Crested Caracara Up-Date - The juvenile Caracara was recently fitted with a radio tracking device and released in the Viera area to join its parents. The staff at Florida Wildlife Hospital will periodically track its signal and post updates on its progress.

Upcoming Events

Melbourne Art Show - April 23

Florida Wildlife Hospital will have a booth near Kid's World featuring our educational ambassadors. Stop by to meet a raptor!

Garage Sale - April 28 & 29, 8 a.m. - 2p.m.

Donations of new and used items for our semi-annual garage sale fund-raiser are now being accepted at Florida Wildlife Hospital. All items, except clothing, are welcome. The sale will be held at 2425 Henry Ave., West Melbourne. For more information, call 321-254-8843 or e-mail mail@floridawildlifehospital.org

Favorite Links

Florida Wildlife Viewing Calendar

A month by month listing of the animals of Florida and the best places to view them.

Project Backyard Brevard

Information on how to create a habitat to attract and shelter local wildlife

Florida Wildlife Viewing Destinations

Information on 137 Wildlife Viewing Destinations located across Florida

Protected Species

Listings of protected animals and plants in Florida.

Pesticides and Wildlife

How household pesticides adversely affect wildlife

The North American River Otter

A wealth of information and pictures about the otter.

The Owl Pages

Links to owl information, pictures, sounds and news articles.