Ruffled Feathers Parrot Sanctuary Inc.

Wildlife Rescue April 18 � A Day of Drama, Babies, and Goose Marches
Wildlife rescue stories April 18: Some days it�s babies falling from rooftops. Some days it�s orphaned opossums on the roadside. And some days� it�s a raccoon with a busted-up little face who may have just met the wrong end of someone�s rock salt shotgun.
(Because apparently, being a jerk is a hobby for some folks� unless it�s shoot-to-kill time.)
But you know what? We still show up.
April 18th was one of those days. The kind that shows exactly why we do what we do.

Raccoon Down, But Not Out
The first call of the day came from a kindhearted homeowner. They found an injured raccoon laying beside a long country driveway.
One call to the network, and the RFPS Rapid Response Team was on it. A hero volunteer stepped up and delivered this baby safely to me.
I never fully confirmed what happened. But judging by the injury, it looks like someone may have hit this poor little one with rock salt. It�s a cruel, semi-non-lethal (if you�re lucky) way that some people still use to �deter� wildlife. There are much better and humane ways to handle wildlife conflicts � like these safe raccoon deterrent tips from the Humane Society.
And just to be clear � shooting at wildlife isn�t pest control, it�s just being a jerk � unless it�s shoot-to-kill time.
Here�s the good part. A safe place, a full belly, and proper care can work wonders. I�ll share a video of this tough little survivor happily munching away in their carrier.
Healing starts here.

Opossum Orphans Get a Fighting Chance
The next call was about 11 tiny baby opossums. Their mother was killed by a car. But here�s where the story takes a turn for the better.
A passerby noticed her on the road. Instead of driving by, they stopped. They checked her pouch and bravely pulled out every single baby. Then they rushed the whole crew to me.
Most people wouldn�t have given it a second thought. But this person cared enough to act. And good thing they did � opossums play a vital role in our ecosystem, eating ticks, pests, and helping keep things balanced.
Say it with me: Always stop and check. There may still be life hanging on.

Annual Rooftop Gosling Rescue � Honk If You Love Chaos
What would spring be without my yearly rooftop goose rescue?
Like clockwork, the pair of geese at the local hospital�s radiation department chose the roof again. Worst possible spot. But hey � Canada geese are known for nesting in unusual places when they feel safe.
I have to wait for the machines to power down before I can even head up there. Meanwhile, mom and dad are pacing below, honking like their lives depend on it.
(To be fair, the babies� lives do.)
Up I go. I gather the goslings while the honk chorus plays behind me. Babies go into the carrier, and then we ride the elevator down to the first floor.
It�s hard not to laugh at the confused looks I get from hospital staff and patients. But by now, they�re probably used to it.

The Honking March to Water (With One Goose-Tolerant Human Escort)
The reunion is loud and beautiful. The moment the parents hear the peeps and spot me coming, dad usually dive-bombs first. Mom isn�t far behind.
I open the door, and out tumble the babies � right back into their waiting, frantic little family.
But their journey isn�t done yet. The real challenge is The March.
Commercial development has taken over every scrap of green space in the area. The only way to the lake is across half a mile of pavement and parking lots. But geese are stubborn. The lake is the goal.
So, neon safety vest on, I play crossing guard. I stop traffic, wave at angry drivers, and walk with my honking entourage all the way to the water.
Drivers might be mad enough to run over a whole goose family. But they sure don�t want to risk flattening the guy livestreaming the whole thing.
The first time I did this, I didn�t think to bring water. Watching the poor goslings struggle in the heat taught me fast.
Now I always pack a portable dish so they can hydrate before the long trek. Because nobody should have to start a march in the heat without a drink � not even if you’re six inches tall.

Another Year, Another Rescue, Same Mission
Another year. Another rooftop rescue. Another parade of honks.
I�m pretty sure they recognize my truck by now. They don�t fight me on the pickup anymore. They know: �This is the guy. Let him help.�
It�s not always easy. It�s rarely convenient. But every life matters.
And we�ll always show up.
? Check out the reel of the rooftop rescue, the raccoon recovery snack time, and the full goose parade in the videos and photos below.

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Palm Sunday Gosling Rescue Story…
Tuesday Wildlife Rescues at Ruffled Feathers…
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