Educational Articles

In the last two months, The Wildlife Center of Texas has seen an increase in the number of gunshot victims arriving for rescue and rehabilitation.  In fact, approximately 1/3 of the hawks who are coming into the center are suffering from trauma related to gunshot wounds.  The animals are being found in both suburban and rural areas of our region.  All native Texas wildlife are protected by law and harming them is a crime. Currently, The Wildlife Center of Texas is caring for five Red-tailed Hawks suffering from gunshot wounds. The most recent victim was shot in both his leg and wing.  Presently, he is receiving veterinary and rehabilitative care to heal his painful and life-threatening injuries.  The Center also has a Peregrine Falcon who suffered gunshots to both wings.  The road to rehabilitation and ultimately release back into the wild can be long and involves radiographs, surgery, pain management, and antibiotic and hydration therapy.  If the animals cannot be released because of the severity of their injuries, The Wildlife Center of Texas works with reputable sanctuaries and zoos for placement where they can live out their lives in a protected environment.  In the case of the Peregrine Falcon, she became an Education Ambassador for The Wildlife Center of Texas because her injuries were so severe she would not survive in the wild. The Wildlife Center of Texas says that it is critical to get help as soon as possible if you find a wild animal that has been injured or orphaned.  They are open 7 days a week, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and are located at 7007 Katy Road, Houston, TX 77024.  After hours, they ask that you place the animal in [...]

The Wildlife Center of Texas The Wildlife Center of Texas enjoyed another successful Open House.  The evening celebrated the dedication of hard working volunteers, generous supporters and our skilled veterinarians.  Two businesses that have partnered with the Wildlife Center of Texas in coming to the aid of our wildlife were also honored -  Moody Gardens for the donation of food for our water birds and Naegeli Transportation for help in transporting supplies.   The Wildlife Center of Texas also thanks Kroger for the appetizers, Banfi for the wine tasting, and Lindy Pollard and his jazz band for the wonderful sounds that set the relaxing tone of the night.  The evening included light refreshments, raffle and silent auction, music and a tour of the Wildlife Center including stations set up to show case our many wildlife ambassadors and provide environmental education.  A great time was had by all and everyone is already looking forward to next year’s Wildlife Center of Texas Open House! Click here to supportThe Wildlife Center of Texas

The Wildlife Center of Texas appreciates the more than 50 Chevron employees who spent two mornings helping to build panels for flight cages. The Chevron Humankind volunteers helped construct the panels that will be utilized in a new specialized flight cage.  The cage will meet all of the newest federal regulations for housing birds of prey.  The Wildlife Center of Texas will use the new flight to condition for release hawks, falcons, owls, vultures and eagles that have been injured, ill or are orphaned.  This cage will help aid with the healing process of these birds.  Thank you Chevron employees who braved the cool temperatures and wind on Friday and Saturday.

There's a lot to keep up with at the Wildlife Center of Texas.  This year has seen the rescue of a White Tailed Hawk, the annual WCT Golf Tournament, returning animals to the wild and promoting wildlife education and internships.  Click the link below to read more about all the amazing stories that take place thanks to the  generous support from people just like you.     Click here to read the Fall 2012 Wildlife Center of Texas Newsletter

The summer rains have provided plenty of food for area squirrels resulting in maximum number of babies in their litters.  However, because of last year’s drought many trees are still being taken down and along with them squirrels are left homeless.  Attempts have been made to reunite mothers and their babies but usually to no avail. The Wildlife Center is already housing over 175 squirrels as well as aiding in the care of about 50 squirrels with off-site permitted rehabilitators.  A call went out to WCT volunteers and they have responded in force along with our affiliate, the Houston SPCA who provided employees and volunteers to help feed and care for all the babies.  Baby bird season is over so there is plenty of room at the Wildlife Center to care for all the current babies as well as others who find their way to the Wildlife Center of Texas door. Items that the Center uses to feed and care for the babies are walnuts, pecans, fresh vegetables, gently used soft baby blankets or flannel, and special formulas. One of our biggest expenses are the heated aquarium covers that provide ambient heat for the babies, they are $150.00 each plus shipping via our Amazon.com wish list.  If you would like to donate toward the care of these little ones it is appreciated. Please enjoy some of the candid shots of our baby squirrel nursery in full swing.  

The Wildlife Center of Texas would like to thank all those in the community who used their Kroger card and the neighbor-to-neighbor program to support the Wildlife Center of Texas during the past year.  WCT also thanks Kroger for sponsoring the program.  This wonderful sharing program provided the Wildlife Center of Texas with $3, 972.67 for 2012.  The funds helped purchase foods and medications to feed the 9, 000 injured, ill and orphaned wildlife patients. Our patients include waterbirds, songbirds, birds of prey, mammals, reptiles and many others.  Please remind family, friends and co-workers that this is an easy way for the community to help The Wildlife Center of Texas with their mission to give all these animals a place to heal, a place to grow and a place to be wild. Click here to print out the Wildlife Center of Texas bar-code that you can then take to Kroger and link to your Kroger card.  

Squirrels in the Houston area have two nesting seasons; a spring season and a fall season.  The fall nesting season has officially begun.  The Houston area has three different species of squirrels; the eastern fox squirrel, eastern gray squirrel and the southern flying squirrel.  The Wildlife Center of Texas staff and volunteer have plenty of experience caring for squirrels.  Many WCT volunteers acquired their first experience after Hurricane Ike when the Wildlife Center took in over 1200 injured and orphaned baby squirrels. If you find an orphaned baby squirrel please check to see if a mother is around and she might take it back up the tree.  If not pick the baby up and put it in a box with soft rags.  Keep it as warm as possible and do not give it any liquids.  You can then take it to the Wildlife Center of Texas which is open 7 days a week to care for these little ones. Please enjoy the pictures of WCT squirrels as you are shown the care of these little ones from infant to release.      

Many different species of raptors (birds of prey) are being cared for at The Wildlife Center of Texas this month.  There are still babies in the raptor nursery and teenagers in the fledgling cages.  There are a multitude of injuries including gunshot wounds, hit by cars, head traumas and emaciation.  Illnesses include viruses, protozoans and other parasites (external and internal).  Diurnal (active during the day) birds of prey that are at WCT include Mississippi kites, broad-winged hawks, red-shoulder hawks, red-tailed hawks, bald eagle, and cooper’s hawks.  The nocturnal (active at night)  birds of prey include screech owls, barred owls, great-horned owls and barn owls.  Sign up for e-blasts to participate in a bird of prey release by submitting your email address on our homepage.  You can also help these magnificent creatures by donating for their care.  Each year The Wildlife Center of Texas receives over 400 birds of prey.  Food, medications, and caging that meets federal standards are very expensive, with no city, state or federal funds The Wildlife Center of Texas relies on your support to give these patients a place to grow, a place to heal and a place to be wild.   Please enjoy pictures of our birds of prey in care.   Click here to support the Wildlife Center of Texas  

The Wildlife Center of Texas Oiled Wildlife Response Workshop The next Texas General Land Office Oil Spill Prevention and Response Division Sponsored workshop for 2012 is scheduled for... Monday August 27, 2012 (9 am - 4 pm) Moody Gardens – The Aquarium One Hope Blvd Galveston, Texas 77554 Lunch will be provided by Moody Gardens   The Wildlife Center of Texas, sponsored by a grant from the Texas General Land Office Oil Spill Prevention and Response Division, will be providing an oiled wildlife response-training workshop on Monday, August 27, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.  The workshop will be held at Moody Gardens in the Aquarium. The purpose of the workshop is to certify and train personnel that are interested in assisting The Wildlife Center of Texas Oiled Wildlife Response Team during a spill. Certification and training are required for anyone who may participate in any role during an oiled wildlife response. The workshop will cover topics such as the effects of oil on wildlife, initial intake and exam of oiled wildlife, an introduction to OSHA training, wildlife rehabilitation's role in Incident Command System, actual hands on cleaning of oiled feathers and participants will practice by washing an unoiled white duck. We would like for all permitted wildlife rehabilitators and trainees, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state wildlife officials, industry environmental personnel, as well as local veterinarians and veterinarian technicians to participate in this training. There is no cost for the workshop but space is limited. Please register via email at WildlifeResponse@wildlifecenteroftexas.org or by phone at 713-861-9453 x 170. Since 1997, the Wildlife Center of Texas has presented oiled wildlife response training workshops regularly along the Texas coast and this is the first workshop [...]