Feeding Time at TWC
At Tucson Wildlife Center, feeding times are a critical part of the day, requiring specialized techniques to ensure each patient receives the care and nutrition they need. Young orphaned animals require specific nutrients to ensure healthy growth and development. Injured or sick animals need consistent nourishment to support healing and recovery.
Feeding baby bobcats requires us to mimic their natural environment as closely as possible to reduce stress. No talking and wearing camouflage help our caregiver blend in, making the feeding experience less intimidating for the kitten, and reducing human imprinting. In the wild, baby bobcats nurse from their mothers. Nipple feeding with a syringe or bottle closely resembles this natural method and helps to ensure that each kitten gets enough food without overfeeding.
Newborn raccoons, especially those with their eyes still closed, often have weak or uncoordinated swallowing reflexes. Nipple feeding can result in formula being aspirated into their lungs, leading to serious respiratory issues. Very careful control of formula feeding allows caregivers to deliver the formula safely, ensuring the baby receives the nutrition needed.
Sometimes, insectivorous bats like this Western pipistrelle need to be hand-fed to ensure they receive proper nutrition, especially if they are young or recovering from an injury. These bats feed on insects in the wild, including beetles, moths, and flies. Mealworms are rich in protein … essential for the bat’s growth, energy, and overall health … and somewhat mimic their natural diet. Bats also receive a “gruel” formula packed with nutrition.
Feeding times at TWC are meticulously scheduled to ensure proper nutrition, support health and recovery, reduce stress, and promote natural behaviors … all of which are crucial for the well-being and successful rehabilitation of wildlife. If you would like to help TWC in its mission to help wildlife, click this link to donate,
Another way you can contribute is to visit our “wish list” on Amazon by clicking on the Amazon Wish List button below. We appreciate it, as will all the wild animals in our care!
Click on the picture below to watch a video and be sure to turn on the sound.
Don’t forget about the Jim Click for Millions raffle!
2024 Jim Click Millions for Tucson Raffle, for a chance to win a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 4xe Plug-In Hybrid.
