Rescue & Rehabilitation
Have you found an injured, sick, or endangered animal? Review the information on this page and contact Busch Wildlife Sanctuary so our animal care team can help. If the animal is in immediate danger, call (561) 575-3399 or our after-hours hotline (561) 599-0071.
Did you find an injured animal?
Please follow the steps in the list below on how best to handle and help the animal you found. Some animals such as baby birds, bunnies and squirrels may not be in danger, just venturing out from home, please read further down this page for information on those instances.
Use common sense and think of your safety first. Hurt animals can often try to defend themselves if confronted.
If it is possible to safely contain the animal, please do so
If you’re unsure how to contain the animal, call Busch Wildlife Sanctuary for assistance: (561) 575-3399
Once contained, keep the animal warm, quiet, and away from other animals.
Do not pet or handle the animal any more than necessary. Excessive handling can often increase their stress and potential for further harm.
Do not feed or give water to the animal. Doing so can often increase their stress and potential for further harm.
Transport to Busch Wildlife Sanctuary immediately.
Need an update on an animal?
updates@buschwildlife.org please include the drop-off date, animal type, intake form name, and animal ID number, if available.
Due to the high volume of patients admitted, it may take us several days to respond to an update request.
Animal Drop-Off
The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary’s wildlife rehabilitation center is available to receive injured animals 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Arrangements for afterhours drop-off can occasionally be accommodated if a volunteer is available. If it is after our normal business hours, you will be directed to a staffed emergency number.
We do our best to respond to patient update requests promptly. If you want an update on the animal you dropped off, please email updates@buschwildlife.org and provide the patient ID #, species of animal, date of admission and species of animal. Due to the high volume of patients admitted, it may take us several days to respond to an update request.
Did you find a baby bird, bunny, or squirrel?
In most instances, a baby bunny, squirrel, or bird is venturing out from the nest for the first time. It may look lost or hurt but is perfectly fine. To understand better if they need help, please review the appropriate flow chart below to help. Call Busch Wildlife Sanctuary if you have any additional questions or concerns.
Our mission to rescue and rehabilitate sick and injured animals is supported by your donations.
We appreciate your support.
