Wildlife Center of Long Island

This beautiful female Diamondback Terrapin was released to the wild last week following her year long rehabilitation for a shell fracture after a vehicle strike. Found in Lido Beach with a fractured shell, this terrapin spent the year with us healing from her injuries. In conjunction with Town of Hempstead Department of Conservation and Waterways, she was released back to her home habitat last week. Prior to release, she was measured and outfitted with a PIT tag which will allow the Conservation department to identify her as an individual in their research program for years to come.

Remember we are in egg laying season and to keep your eyes on the road for crossing turtles!

This nestling Robin from Huntington was picked up yesterday lethargic and weak after it was found down on the ground with no nest in sight. With hydration and regular feedings, he’s perking up beautifully and this big mouth is ready for the next feeding!

Young songbirds like this one are admitted to our care frequently after nest disturbances, cat attacks, and interactions with other dangers like pesticides and litter. They are cared for every 20-30 min from sun up to sun down!

A huge thank you to Ellamarie! 💚♻️

Ellamarie, a member of our Youth Conservation Team, spent the past year collecting & recycling an incredible 3,000 cans and bottles. Through her hard work and commitment to helping wildlife, she raised $175 and generously donated every dollar to support the injured and orphaned wild animals in our care.

Young conservationists like Ellamarie remind us that anyone can make a difference. Thank you, Ellamarie, for your dedication to wildlife and the environment!

American Robin patient with head trauma.

This juvenile and one of its parents both collided with an office window in Melville. The adult died on impact and this bird sustained severe head trauma. Puffed up feathers, a hunched posture, winced eyes, and not reacting to stimuli are all classic symptoms of a concussion that needs medical care ASAP.

If you find a bird that has flown into a window, please contain them right away and don’t try to release the bird even if it seems to have gotten better. These birds need a full assessment and usually significant time in care to fully recover. 🙏

VOTE Dr. Leonhardt - Vet of the year! 🩺🦊

Dr. Ellen Leonhardt, the medical director for Long Island & Manhattan VCA animal hospitals, donates a tremendous amount of her time & resources to helping Long Island’s wildlife. In addition to routine patient exams, consultations, and radiographs, she performs life-saving surgery on our wildlife patients. Pictured here is a Bald Eagle that was treated by Dr. Leonhardt, rehabilitated at our facility, & released back to the wild! Please vote for her as vet of the year at the link below!

https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/veterinarian-of-the-year/

Good luck, little one! 🐢💚

This young Eastern Box Turtle arrived at our center last fall with an injury to the underside of his shell. After nine months of dedicated care and rehabilitation, he finally made a full recovery and was ready to return home.

Eastern Box Turtles are terrestrial turtles that spend their lives in woodlands, meadows, and other natural habitats. This resilient turtle was released back where he belongs at beautiful Stillwell Woods Park in Woodbury.

Wishing him many safe years ahead in the wild!

Safe, Warm, and Growing Strong 🐰

These four young Eastern Cottontail rabbits are some of the babies currently in our care. Baby rabbits are among the most delicate wildlife patients we treat, requiring specialized care, proper nutrition, and a quiet environment to thrive. Our team is working hard to give these little ones the best chance at a successful return to the wild.

For now, they’re safe, warm, and growing stronger every day. With a little time and a lot of care, they’ll be hopping back into their natural habitat soon where they belong.

Thank you for supporting wildlife rehabilitation and the countless orphaned animals that need help each year!

This Eastern Screech Owl is currently in our care after colliding with a car in Oyster Bay. This patient sustained a serious concussion and laceration to the top of her head. Our rehabilitators are treating her injuries and providing lots of supportive care so the owl can hopefully recover and return to her home in the wild as soon as possible.