14/09/2026
Good morning, everyone! What a week this is turning out to be. I can officially say our baby season has started!
Yesterday afternoon, I received a call from Mariette. She found a baby squirrel with no sign of mom anywhere, so she brought him straight to me. Oh boy, he is tiny! His eyes are still tightly closed, and he weighs just 26g. Because he’s so small, I’m on a strict 3-hour feeding schedule with him. He definitely has a strong pair of lungs on him, though—as soon as I take him out for a feed, he lets out a good scream! They named him Lucky, and he is indeed lucky to get a second chance at life.
Now that baby season is upon us, please remember: if you find a baby wild animal, call your nearest wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
We all know baby animals are incredibly cute, and it’s tempting to try and look after them yourself. However, wild animals have very specific dietary and environmental needs. Without proper care, they quickly develop severe metabolic bone disease, imprinting, malnutrition, or systemic infections. By the time an animal is surrendered out of desperation, it becomes an uphill battle against time—and it breaks our hearts knowing it could have been prevented with immediate, specialized care.
What to do if you find a baby wild animal:
Observe First: Make sure the animal is truly orphaned or injured before intervention. Parents often leave young hidden nearby. If you aren't sure, call your local rehabber so they can guide you through the next steps.
Protect Yourself: Wear thick gloves or use a towel to avoid bites and scratches.
Contain Safely: Place the baby inside a dark, well-ventilated cardboard box lined with a small towel or fleece blanket.
Keep Warm & Quiet: Keep the box in a quiet place. Do not attempt to give the animal any food or water until you've spoken to a professional.
Do Not Keep Them as Pets: Wild animals do not make good pets. Releasing a captive-raised animal back into the bush without proper rehabilitation is a death sentence, as they lack the necessary survival skills.
Fun Facts About Baby Squirrels:
Names: Baby squirrels are called kits, kittens, or pups.
No Teeth: Newborns are born completely toothless; their teeth only start growing in around 3 weeks of age.
Closed Eyes: Their eyes remain tightly closed for the first 4 to 5 weeks of life.
Growing Fur: A soft coat starts growing around 2 weeks, with a full coat appearing by week 3 or 4.
High-Up Homes: Mothers raise their babies in cozy nests called dreys, built high up in tree forks or tree hollows using twigs, leaves, and moss.
Two Litters a Year: Mother squirrels usually give birth twice a year—once in spring and again in late summer.
Total Dependence: Kits rely completely on their mother for milk, warmth, and protection for their first month and a half.
Exploring: Around 6 weeks old, young squirrels take their first peeks outside the nest to explore the branches.
On Their Own: They become fully independent and ready to forage for their own nuts and seeds between 10 and 12 weeks of age.
Thank you all for your continued support! Let's keep our wild animals wild! 🐾💚
