In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, the Houston SPCA has been inundated with injured and orphaned wild animals from the region. The local SPCA typically receives around 40 to 50 animals on a regular day, but in the 24 hours following the hurricane, they took in over 700 animals. Even more animals continue to arrive at their facility over a week later, bringing the total number of animals cared for to more than 1,800.
Among the animals that the Houston SPCA has taken in are a colony of nearly 350 cattle egrets that were blown out of their nests during the storm. Sharon Schmalz, the wildlife center administrator and former executive director of the Houston SPCA, described the scene as traumatic, with many of the egrets found dead at the rookery where they had been nesting. In addition to the egrets, the SPCA has also cared for 233 Mississippi kites, mourning doves, squirrels, songbirds, and other herons like yellow-crowned night herons.
The rehabilitation efforts for the animals have been extensive and challenging. Each animal is triaged upon arrival to check for injuries, and specialized care is provided based on their individual needs. For the egrets, some of which are still babies without enough feathers to keep them warm, the SPCA has set up incubators and heat sources to ensure their well-being. The rehabilitation process can take several weeks, with the youngest animals requiring the most care.
In addition to the wild animals affected by the hurricane, the Houston SPCA continues to care for the dogs and cats that they typically handle. The influx of animals has required the SPCA to call in extra volunteers and resources to meet the demand. As of now, the SPCA has taken in a total of 1,800 animals in just over a week, including a bald eagle and a baby brown pelican that were blown off an island during the storm.
For those who come across injured or orphaned wild animals, the Houston SPCA provides valuable information on their website about how to help. They advise people to wait and observe the situation before intervening, as sometimes young animals may appear to be abandoned when they are not. However, in cases like the aftermath of a hurricane, where parents may have been displaced or killed, it is crucial to seek help from organizations like the SPCA to ensure the animals receive the care they need.
The dedication and hard work of the staff and volunteers at the Houston SPCA have been instrumental in providing care and support to the animals affected by Hurricane Beryl. Their efforts highlight the importance of wildlife rehabilitation and conservation in the face of natural disasters, and serve as a reminder of the resilience and compassion of the human spirit in times of crisis.
