Dove Key Ranch Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc. is a donor-supported 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of orphaned, injured, and/or ill wildlife. Located in Colorado County, we provide medical and supportive care to native Texas wildlife ranging from reptiles and amphibians to birds and mammals, specializing in skunk rehabilitation.
The group also offers advice to the public addressing wildlife concerns via our 24/7 phone line as well as educational programs to various school and civic groups in order to promote a humane co-existence between humans and their wildlife neighbors.
We strive to raise every orphan and heal every sick and/or injured patient to release back into the wild, where they can lead happy and full lives in their natural environment. |
When humans and wildlife meet, conflict can arise. We offer humane advice for dealing with "nuisance" wildlife and tips for co-habiting with our animal neighbors. |
Educational wildlife programs are available free to school, civic, and other groups from November through April. Presentations are highlighted by one or more of the group’s animal ambassadors and are appropriate for a variety of age groups. |
What do I do if I find a wild animal in need of assistance?
If you find a wild animal that may need assistance, follow the steps below:
1. Make sure the animal needs help. If you think a baby animal has been orphaned, watch for a parent first. Mom and dad may not be far from a fledgling bird. Deer and rabbit mothers may only visit their young a few times a day to feed them. Call our hotline for advice.
2. Protect yourself and the animal. Wear leather gloves and handle the animal using a towel or sheet to prevent injury to yourself and the potential for disease transfer. Ensure that the way you are capturing and restraining the animal does not endanger the well-being of the animal.
3. Place the animal in a safe place. Put the wild animal in a box or other appropriate container in a warm, quiet, dark area away from children, pets, other animals, and fire ants. Make sure any towels or sheets you use for bedding do not have holes or strings within which the animal can become entangled.
4. Do NOT feed or offer the animal water. Unless a licensed wildlife rehabilitator has instructed you to do so, do not offer food or water to a wild animal.
5. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator! For referrals in Texas, call our hotline or visit Texas State Wildlife Rehabbers For a listing of wildlife rehabilitators in other states, call the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association at 320-230-9920.
WE NEED SOME ROOM TO STRETCH! As the number of our wildlife patients grows each year, so too must our space to accommodate them. Each litter of cute and fuzzy baby skunks curled up in an incubator, every baby pool housing a recuperating hit-by-car turtle, all the specially-lined cages that serve as flight practice for orphaned birds take up lots of room. Luckily, we have an EXCELLENT opportunity to purchase a pre-manufactured house to serve as our new and expanded center. We just need YOUR help to raise the remaining $9,553.00 we need to secure the building! Donations can be made via paypal to dovekey@gmail.com or check to DKRWR, P.O. Box 1292, Columbus, TX 78934. All are tax-deductible, since we are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Gifts of $500 or more receive a plaque displayed in the center. Gifts of $1,000 or more receive a plaque displayed in the center and a specialty plaque of their own. No amount is too small: EVERY dollar helps us reach our goal, so we truly appreciate ANY donation you can spare. If you are not able to give, you can still help us by spreading the word and cross-posting this message. Thank you in advance! We couldn't help the animals without your support!!!!
