A donation-based service to help support Georgia's wildlife

Our wildlife treatment crew is part of our zoological medicine service and provides medical treatment and care for injured wildlife. While we do allow members of the community to bring us hurt wildlife for care, we DO NOT accept uninjured animals. If you come across a baby animal that you feel has simply been abandoned, it is best to leave them where you found them.

Determining whether an animal needs your help depends on age, species and behavior. Babies of some species are left alone all day and rely on camouflage for protection, while others are tightly supervised by their parent(s).

The following are scenerios that would indicate that the animal is injured and does need your help:

  • It is brought to you by a cat or dog
  • There is evidence of bleeding
  • There is an apparent or obvious broken limb
  • It is featherless or nearly featherless and on the ground
  • It is shivering or has been crying and wandering all day long

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to handle injured animals?

If you find an injured animal, it is best to wear gloves and cover it with a towel before picking it up. Transport it by placing it in a covered, ventilated cardboard box. Be sure to call (706) 542-3221 before bringing any animal to the hospital.

What animals do we treat?

We accept a variety of injured wildlife, EXCEPT venomous reptiles or animals which may be infected with rabies and are likely to bite people — raccoons, foxes, coyotes or skunks — or deer or other large animals. The center cannot accept uninjured or orphaned animals. However, the Department of Natural Resources keeps a list of wildlife rehabilitators that may be able help in those situations.

Who pays for the medical care?

Our ability to care for wildlife relies largely on the generosity of animal lovers like you who care enough to rescue wild animals. We encourage good Samaritans who bring us wildlife to please leave a donation to the Emergency Wildlife Fund, which provides funding to help offset the cost of treating these patients.

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