Update from Linda Boag-Moores
Volunteer Coordinator, Social Media Coordinator & Director
April 7, 2025
Baby Raccoons
- The baby season is ramping up—from a trickle to a flood.
- New volunteers: now is the time to learn bottle feeding while numbers are still manageable.
- Bottle baby count:
- Last week: 3
- Now: 7
- Tomorrow: 10
- Over 20 more in foster care (still tube-feeding, not yet ready for overnight gaps).
- Once bottle trained, foster babies will return to the centre.
- We’re already over our Toronto infant raccoon limit—need to reserve space for local intakes and start ramping up.
Reminders
- Unplug bottle warmers after each feeding—risk of fire if left dry.
- Morning shifts: Start feeding right away, prioritize the smallest/weakest.
- Evening shifts: Feed in reverse order so smallest are done last, reducing overnight gaps (aim for 6 hours, not 8).
Staffing
- Several new volunteers haven’t returned—please report no-shows.
- Some shifts are well-staffed, others have just 1–2 people—we’re doing our best to cover all.
Experienced Volunteers (Purple Shirts)
- Each shift should have someone who can Sub-Q and tube feed.
- Let us know if your shift doesn’t—these skills may be needed for new admits.
Intakes & HPAI Protocol
- Animals showing possible HPAI symptoms must be admitted outside the trailer.
- Only move them inside following Animal Care staff directions.
- Two suspicious fox kits are to be kept isolated and serviced by one designated person per shift—no cross-handling with other animals.
- Keep all doors closed to prevent exposure.
Releases
- Most overwintered animals are ready for release—we need help!
- Let us know if you can assist or have good, release sites. We’ll confirm if it meets MNR regulations.
- Releasing opossums frees up time and space for incoming spring babies.
Saturdays
- Saturday staffing is a major challenge.
- We’re considering a new approach:
- Would you commit to one Saturday AM or PM shift per month?
- Could this work with a signup sheet?
- Feedback is welcome!
Final Thoughts
We’re still waiting on students/interns to help with spring/summer workload.
As always—help is in your hands…it’s in all our hands. Looking after babies is hard work, but so worth it. Let’s do this together.