And we hope to have a small branch of our larger hospital here. Since 1980, the main hospital of the Chesapeake Wildlife Sanctuary has helped more than 10,000 animals deer, birds and small mammals each year through three on-site clinics. In an effort to care for injured, sick and orphaned wildlife, the sanctuary is open 365 days a year and does not charge for its services. Funds are obtained through private donations, grants and auctions. Cages are lined with towels.
Every animal needs to be fed.
Putnam is now an employee, one of the Mammal Clinic technicians. We are like wildlife paramedics without the title, she says. When a sick animal comes in, we determine what it needs. In the spring and summer, we get lots of orphaned squirrels and possums. We raise them in groups, and when they can care for themselves, we take them to release sites throughout the state.