Support Us Button Widget

Help the Enchanted Forest Wildlife Rescue save baby animals

You’re more likely to find baby animals in need this summer, so be informed about how your intervention can help (or harm) local wildlife in need.

A baby fox lays on a blanket in the grass.

Canyon is one of many baby animals that is being rehabilitated. | Photo courtesy of Enchanted Forest Wildlife Rescue of Kentucky

Table of Contents

For most of us, summer is a season for sunshine and relaxation. For animal rescue services, it’s also baby season.

Between February and October — but especially in the summer — you’re much more likely to come across baby animals that appear sick, injured, or abandoned. Our advice: Trust the pros.

Meet Enchanted Forest Wildlife Rescue

Enchanted Forest Wildlife rehabilitates orphaned, sick, and injured animals before releasing them back to their native habitats. They also educate locals about wildlife through animal ambassadors, early educational resources, and volunteer opportunities.

Plus, with their newly gifted sanctuary in Madison County, our ecological community is only looking brighter. Ask how you can donate old comforters, pet supplies, and anything else you have lying around that could save an animal’s life.

Never guess when it comes to wildlife care. Note that Enchanted Forest can’t accept birds and is not accepting new intakes at the moment — but they’ll direct you to the proper channels. Call (859) 809-3397 and leave a detailed message. But before you do…

Assess the situation

Many animals brought into wildlife rehabilitation centers aren’t actually abandoned. An animal displaying no indicators of distress or injury may just be waiting for mom. If the animal is bleeding or obviously injured, it’s time to get the experts involved.

Be mindful of the animal’s well-being

Don’t act immediately when you’ve determined an animal is abandoned. Human contact stresses the animal and could lead to injury and disease (to you and the animal). Human food or improper feeding techniques can also cause harm. Keep a close eye, be patient, and consult Enchanted Forest or another licensed rehabilitator.

At this point, you’re in good hands. Follow their instructions to safely bring in the animal, and go cash in on your good deed for the day. Mother Nature thanks you.

More from LEXtoday
This story is part of our September series on Lexington’s local distilleries and their stories.
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in Lexington, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
It’s the most wonderful time for beer.
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
This story is part of our September series on Lexington’s local distilleries and their stories.
It’s your party and you can get free things if you want to.
From where to eat + drink to their humble beginnings, we’re sharing all there is to know about Lexington’s Kenwick, Mentelle Park, and Warehouse Block neighborhoods.
This story is part of our September series on Lexington’s local bourbon distillers and their stories.
Jonas Brothers? Check. Eric Church? Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple-check this list and get your concert tickets before they sell out.