“Natural Enclosures” for our Patients
At Tucson Wildlife Center, creating a “natural” environment in our enclosures is key to helping our patients heal and prepare for release. Our wildlife rehabilitation team carefully sets up each enclosure to mimic the animal’s natural habitat. This helps reduce stress and allows the animal to practice essential survival skills during rehabilitation. Outdoor aviaries are used as they progress.
This week three sparrow species—the Black-throated Sparrow (Left), the Grasshopper Sparrow (Right), and the White-crowned Sparrow (Top)—recuperated together in an enclosure reflecting their unique habitats. To cater to their specific needs, we included sandy areas and sparse vegetation for the Black-throated Sparrow to mimic desert conditions; tall grasses and logs for the ground dwelling Grasshopper Sparrow to forage and hide; and open perches for the White-crowned Sparrow, allowing it to practice its natural lookout behavior.
Similarly, the Northern Pygmy-Owl benefited from a forest-like setup, with branches and hunting perches that replicated the tree-dense environments this owl would navigate in the wild. TWC’s wildlife care team placed food in various hiding spots within the enclosure to encourage our patient to search and “hunt,” much like this small, fierce hunter will do once released. Despite their small size—about 6 to 7 inches tall—Northern Pygmy-Owls are known for taking on prey larger than themselves, including song birds, mammals, and even other small owls. If you would like to help Tucson Wildlife Center in its mission to help wild animals, 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!
Don’t forget about the Jim Click for Millions raffle!
Purchase tickets by December 1, 2024!
2024 Jim Click Millions for Tucson Raffle, for a chance to win a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 4xe Plug-In Hybrid.
Show your support with a minimum $25 donation and we’ll send you a “KEEP TUCSON WILD” sticker. Click the bumper sticker to donate.
