Baby shower for furred and feathered young ones being held in Truro

Baby animals, like this porcupette, are cute, but it can cost a lot to raise them. The Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is holding a baby shower to collect some of the items needed to care for the injured and orphaned wildlife babies who will soon be arriving. MURDO MESSER PHOTO - Contributed

TRURO, NS

Freeze-dried mealworms would be an ideal gift to bring to a baby shower being held at the Truro Farmers’ Market this month.

Baby birds and mammals, injured or orphaned, will soon be arriving at the Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, and there’s a lot of work and expense involved in their care.

“Baby season is our busiest season, and our most expensive season,” said Dr. Helene Van Doninck, the veterinarian who runs the centre. “The babies will start arriving like crazy in late April or early May and there are a lot of things we need.”

Anyone wishing to donate items on the wish list can bring them to the CWRC table at the Truro Farmers’ Market on April 14, between 9 a.m. and1 p.m.

The food list includes items like berries, unsalted nuts, eggs, fish and Esbilac milk replacer.

“We have Activia yogurt, strawberry flavour, on the list because we often use it for mammals who won’t take milk replacer at first,” said Van Doninck. “It gets them started.

“We go through a lot of unscented liquid laundry detergent, paper towels and Kleenex so it’s nice to get those. Gift cards are also great.”

Even kiddie pools are in demand, as they don’t last long around the eagles. Inflatable ones can be used for ducklings.

Stamps, printed paper, exam gloves and heat lamps are a few of the other items needed. To check out the wish list visit the Wildlife Baby Shower Facebook page at

https://www.facebook.com/events/1973684386280734/.

If people aren’t able to make it to the shower, they can drop items at the wildlife centre. Call 902-893-0253 ahead of time.

People who want to shop from home can buy something from the Amazon wish list. It includes things such as puppy milk replacer, kitten food, freeze-dried mealworms and blue

Dawn dishwashing liquid.

“We had to move our major fundraiser to the fall, and this is the first year we’re heading into baby season without the funds we raise through that,” said Van Doninck. “That makes this event very important.”