Earthplace announces end of long-running wildlife rehabilitation program.

The wildlife rehabilitation program at Earthplace began when we were the Mid-Fairfield County Youth Museum in 1960. Volunteers and donations were abundant. For many years the program grew and expanded to the point where the newly-named Nature Center for Environmental Activities accepted over one thousand injured and/or orphaned wild animals a year! The ultimate goal was to restore each animal to health and return it to its natural environment and breeding population. This herculean effort required tens of thousands of volunteer hours and equal numbers of donated dollars. After all, newly hatched birds must be fed every 15-20 minutes from sun-up to sun-down and neonate mammals require feeding through the night.

Over the years, we have had wonderful partnerships with local veterinarians, generous donors, dedicated staff and long- time volunteers. The program could not have run otherwise. We appreciate all that they have done and given of themselves. We will continue to offer wildlife advice and assistance to those with wildlife emergencies, but we will no longer be able to accept wildlife for rehabilitation.

The Mary Eason Swett Wildlife Care and Rehabilitation Program is one of the largest in Connecticut. Staffed by licensed wildlife rehabilitators and trained volunteers, the program accepts hundreds of injured, abandoned wild creatures annually. The program's goal is to rehabilitate these animals to a healthy state and return them to their natural habitat as soon as possible. Please call us at 203-227-7253 before bringing in any animal, as we cannot accept certain kinds of animals for treatment.

Wildlife Care - What to do if you find a baby animal, links to wildlife rehabilitation sites
Locate a Wildlife Rehabilitator - CT DEP 24 hour Hotline 860-424-3333
CT Wildlife Rehabilitators Association/Fund for Animals Advice Hotline  203-393-1050

Nature FAQs - Answers to questions Earthplace commonly receives about animals.

The Animal Hall, as well as outdoor display cages, house wildlife that cannot be released due to their injuries. The hall also houses domestic animals which are part of the teaching collection.  Earthplace also provides Westport and surrounding communities with a wildlife hotline managed by staff naturalists during regular hours. The hotline provides answers to questions related to area wildlife as well as those related to environmental concerns and other natural history questions.

Adopt an Animal - You can help us maintain the resident animals that serve as our educational ambassadors.  Food, veterinary treatment, shelter and daily care are costly.  By "adopting" one of these animals you are contributing directly to the animal's upkeep. See more details about our Adopt an Animal program.

View a Movie about the Animal Care Program at Earthplace
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