Wetlands Baby Shower Provides Up Close View Of New Arrivals

SEAL BEACH, CA — Hundreds attended the annual Wetlands Wildlife Care Center baby shower over the weekend to help raise funds for the non profit that teaches Orange County residents so much about the animals indigenous to our area.

The free event showcased baby birds and mammals currently in the care of the wildlife center. Visitors learned about baby squirrels, raccoons, opossums, cottontail bunnies, hummingbirds, ducklings and more.

"Last year we saw close to 800 ducklings at the center," a spokesperson for the center said over Facebook. "This year we already have had about 700."

Education is key, for the center's staff, who has taught people that sometimes if you find a baby animal, such as a baby bunny, it's best to leave it alone.

"During bunny season, many baby bunnies are kidnapped," Barb Melton said over social media. "Mother rabbits only return to their nest a few times a day, and those are just shallow in the ground, easily uncovered."

If you find a baby bunny nest circle it with flour or surround it with yarn, she suggests. "If the string of flower is disturbed, that means the mother has returned," she said. "If nothing happens within 12 hours, then it is time to take the babies to a rescue."

As with any baby shower, gifts were appreciated.

"The center is always in need of a variety of items such as paper products, office supplies, laundry detergent and more," they said.

Donations are critical to the care of the critters that are brought to the center, often in desperate need of medical care or hourly feedings. The center cares for wildlife until they can be released back into the open.

If you missed the baby shower, you can still donate here.