WILDLIFE
Our Expertise
The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine’s Wildlife Hospital cares for injured animals brought to us for medical care and treatment. Our goal is to treat and rehabilitate these animals so that they can be released back into the wild. We receive approximately 1,400 wildlife cases each year with an approximate release rate of 73 percent for treatable cases.
Our mission is to carry out conservation medicine by providing veterinary care for injured wildlife, conduct conservation research, and educate the public about wildlife conservation in the state of Louisiana.
Our three primary focal areas are
- Conservation: We provide veterinary care for injured native wildlife from Louisiana and surrounding states. The ultimate goal of our conservation medicine efforts are to rehabilitate and release animals back to the wild so they can contribute to the wild populations.
- Research: We carry out research projects at the state, national, and international level with a focus on wildlife preservation and conservation.
- Education: We provide veterinary students with educational opportunities in the field of wildlife medicine. The skills learned by these students while working with wildlife species are directly applicable to captive exotic species and are part of their training for becoming skilled veterinarians. In addition we carry out educational presentations aimed at the general public in the state of Louisiana. This presentations carry the message of wildlife conservation and provide an avenue for children and adults to become aware of the issues that affect our native wildlife species.
To see a YouTube playlist of our wildlife videos, click on the "i" on the photo to the right.
Services
We provide care for injured wildlife native to Louisiana. Wildlife cases can be brought to the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s Small Animal Clinic between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. each day.
Keep safety in mind when transporting a wild animal (both your safety and the animal’s). Call animal control if necessary. You can call your local veterinarian or our Wildlife Hospital for advice on the animal before interacting with it.
What to Expect
- Wildlife can be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. each day.
- Our program relies on private donations so you may be asked for a donation. Your gifts will help cover the cost of food, housing, and veterinary procedures and treatments. Costs vary greatly with species and type of injury, ranging from $50 for basic care to more than $3,000 for orthopedic surgery.
Injured and Orphaned Wildlife
Who to Call if You Find Injured Wildlife
- Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana (225) 578-9600
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (800) 256-2749 or (225) 765-2800
- East Baton Rouge Animal Control (225) 774-7700
These agencies will only respond to calls during normal business hours, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m
Leave Orphans Where They Are
One of the most common presentations to our facility is the “orphan” bird or mammal. It is important that we define what an orphan is up front. An orphaned animal is one that has been abandoned by the “parent.” The vast majority of the cases presented are not truly “orphans.” Instead they are animals that have been removed from functional nests or found near a nest as they were exploring their environment. The parents are often nearby gathering food or protecting their territory.
Many citizens are quick to collect these animals because they feel that they are abandoned. In these cases, all attempts should be made to replace the animal back in its nest. The old wives tale that the “parents” will not accept the animal after it has been touched by humans is incorrect.
Once the orphan is placed back in its original location, it is critical that humans stay away from the area. The nest should only be observed from far away. If the “parents” can see you, they are not likely to return to the nest.
In Louisiana, it is illegal to raise wildlife unless you are a trained and licensed
wildlife rehabilitator registered with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Although the intentions of the individuals locating the “orphan” are good, these animals
have very special needs that cannot be met by untrained individuals. Providing the
wrong type of care often leads to abnormal growth and suffering for these orphans.
Staying in their natural environment provides the best chance of survival. Hurricane
Disaster Relief for Birds: What to Expect and How to Help | Audubon
https://www.audubon.org/news/hurricane-disaster-relief-birds-what-expect-and-how-help
Why the LSU VTH Cannot Accept Non-injured Orphans
Baby animals often require feeding every 1 - 2 hours. While we are a 24/7 facility, the constant, hands-on care needed to adequately care for orphaned animals requires more people and resources than we can provide. This creates an undue burden on our students and staff and takes them away from other critical cases in the hospital.
Licensed Rehabilitators
If you truly feel that an animal is abandoned, you can contact a wildlife rehabilitator who is licensed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries and can legally and properly care for orphaned wildlife.
Faculty and Staff
Faculty
Interns and Residents
Adam Moreno, DVM, Emergency & Critical Care/Zoological Medicine Intern
Tithipong Plangsangmas, DVM, Zoological Medicine Resident
Emily Schlake, DVM, Emergency & Critical Care/Zoological Medicine Intern
Support Wildlife
Our program relies on private donations. Your gifts will help cover the cost of food, housing, and veterinary procedures and treatments. Costs vary greatly with species and type of injury, ranging from $50 for basic care to more than $3,000 for orthopedic surgery.
Donations are made to the LSU Foundation. When asked to select a fund, enter "wildlife" and choose "Wildlife Hospital of LA Support Fund."