Blue jays are known for their remarkable ability to mimic the calls of hawks. They also play an important role in local ecosystems by caching acorns and nuts. Many of these stored seeds eventually grow into new trees, supporting healthier forest habitats. #BlueJay #NativeWildlife

This baby opossum weighs about 35 grams (less than 2 AA batteries!) and will require several weeks of tube feeding before he is ready to start eating on his own. After a few more weeks of growing, he will be released sometime early next spring. #OpossumRehabilitation #BabyOpossum

It’s winter waterfowl season, which brings a lot of migrating species to our area. This drab lady is a lesser scaup, a diving duck that can plunge more than 20 feet below the water’s surface to find food. She will soon be released back into the wild. #LesserScaup #DivingDuck

Brown pelicans are a common sight along the Gulf Coast and can often be seen flying in formation above the beaches. They are known for their ability to dive from the air to catch fish, plunging straight into the water in a dramatic splash. #BrownPelican #WildlifeCenter

This red-breasted merganser is only the sixth we’ve cared for since 2012. Their feet are built for fast swimming and diving, which makes them look a bit awkward on land. They’re also among the fastest flying waterfowl, reaching more than 80 miles per hour. #Merganser #Wildlife

Today is Squirrel Appreciation Day, a time to recognize the important role squirrels play in our ecosystems. 🐿️🌳 Squirrels help maintain healthy forests by dispersing seeds and nuts, support local food chains, and are an important part of both urban and natural environments.

A baby barred owl was recently brought to us after being found wet and cold. With an upcoming freeze, early nesting wildlife may be at risk. To help, you can add warm water to bird baths so they do not ice over, and check your yard for wildlife that may need assistance. 🦉❄️

Before the Freeze: We are caring for two emaciated juvenile brown pelicans that were found cold, dehydrated and starving in Seabrook, TX on Saturday morning. After an initial exam by our wildlife staff, they are now getting much-needed hydration and rest!

We are excited to report that in 2025; our Wildlife program cared for more than 17,000 native wild animals. 🦉🦝🐿️ We are deeply grateful to everyone who helps make this impact possible and for your continued commitment to protecting wildlife in our community. #WildlifeCenter

Baby season is booming, and our baby squirrels need extra hands at feeding time. 🐿️Wildlife volunteers, please sign up for shifts at 7 a.m., 11 a.m., or 3 p.m. Every shift helps us keep up with hungry baby animals. Not a volunteer yet? Apply today on our website! #BabySeason

Happy National Wildlife Rehabilitator Appreciation Day! In 2025, our team treated more than 17,000 wild animals, from tiny songbirds to opossums, turtles, and squirrels. Today, we celebrate the dedicated rehabilitators and volunteers who make this lifesaving work possible.🙌

This Carolina Wren was stuck in a glue trap, leaving the bird dehydrated and vulnerable. Our team safely removed the adhesive and is providing supportive care while the bird regains strength. This spring, reconsider using glue traps as they often harm unintended wildlife.

This Herring Gull arrived from Galveston in a weakened state and was unable to walk due to head trauma. After receiving care from our wildlife team, he has made encouraging progress and is now in our Outdoor Flight Complex, where he can continue healing and building strength.

Great Horned Owls change a lot as they grow, from soft down for feathers to powerful wings that help them thrive in the wild. If you find a baby owl that does not appear injured, call us before bringing them in. Our team can often guide you through safely re-nesting the bird.🦉

This male eastern bluebird recently came into our care after becoming stuck in a glue trap. Our wildlife team safely removed the adhesive, treated his injuries, and helped him get back on track. He is showing great progress and regaining his strength to return to the wild. 💙

If you find a deceased opossum, it is important to stop and check for live babies, both in her pouch and in the surrounding area. Baby opossums often survive even after the mother has passed, and our trained wildlife team can safely check the pouch and remove any babies on site.

This Yellow-bellied Water Snake was found stuck in a lawn drain grate and safely freed by our team before being released. These snakes are non-venomous and commonly found in freshwater areas like ponds and bayous, where they help maintain balanced fish and amphibian populations.

No bigger than a quarter, this tiny turtle came into our care battling an upper respiratory infection. Our wildlife team is monitoring his progress and providing treatment to support his recovery. Moments like this reflect our commitment to caring for wildlife of every size. 🐢

Happy Earth Day from the Wildlife Center! 🌎 Today, we celebrate the wildlife who rely on us and the community that stands beside them. From one life to the next, every animal matters, and every action we take helps protect the planet they call home.🐦 #EarthDay #WildlifeCenter

This White-eyed Vireo was found grounded, likely the result of a window strike or interaction with a cat 🪟🐾Making windows more visible helps prevent collisions, and supervising cats outdoors reduces the risk of injury to wildlife. #ProtectWildlife #UrbanWildlife