Nugget’s Story:
On July 16, 2018, Critter Care Wildlife Society received a call from a woman who said she heard little cries coming from inside a wall in her yard for more than 5-days. A small baby raccoon was trapped in the wall after most likely falling from the roof. She rescued the raccoon, placed him in a box and contacted Critter Care for assistance. Critter Care transported the tiny package to their care facility in Langley. Staff there carefully removed a shivering cold and dehydrated three-week old infant raccoon from the box. They quickly began the process of warming him up by wrapping him in a small blanket under a heat lamp and providing fluids from a baby bottle. When Critter Care Supervisor Breanne first lifted the little guy, he stuck out his belly and hid his legs, reminding her of a chicken nugget — which inevitably earned him the nickname ‘Nugget.’ Three days after Nugget’s rescue, he further captured hearts at Critter Care Wildlife’s annual Open House. Visitors from around the Lower Mainland and interior of BC were invited to view the rescue facilities where injured or orphaned animals are regularly nurtured and rehabilitated. All who toured the Nursery came away moved by the facility’s current residents, in particular the smallest new raccoon. |
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Nugget’s feisty spirit and catchy name inspired staff to similarly name four new baby raccoon residents as Fry, Milkshake, Sprite and Sundae, and affectionately refer to them all as the Fast Food Family. By August the little family had grown strong and big enough to move from the Nursery to the next phase of rehabilitation. Under the watchful care of Intern Ashlee, they continued to grow and explore their new surroundings. However two of the baby raccoons showed signs of illness, so the entire group had to be medically treated as a precaution. Sadly, Milkshake succumb to the illness. Nugget too had a severe reaction, becoming lethargic and losing weight despite a voracious appetite. He was taken to one of Critter Care’s dedicated Vet’s that recommended weekly injections. Once Nugget’s treatments were completed, he and his mates were ready to move to the ‘Raccoon Condominiums’, or outdoor enclosures. Staff set up the condominiums with toys, blankets and hay, as well as a heat lamp in what would become their sleeping shed. A nice plate of their favorite food was prepared and placed into the shed along with what looked like a never-ending bowl of kibble. | .
"Smile!"We Are FAST FOOD FAMILY(Fry, Nugget & Sundae) | However, once again unexpectedly the little raccoon family got sick, and staff were nervous as they recalled the affects of the last treatment. But they knew too that without treatment all the little residents might die. Once more the treatment was applied, but little Sprite didn’t make it - which was really hard on staff assigned to her care. Miraculously though, Nugget didn’t have any negative reaction this time. In fact, he, Fry and Sundae continued to gain weight, eat two large plates of food along with a giant dish of kibble every day! And they continue to thrive in their outdoor enclosure, playing and learning as they prove to be real survivors! Critter Care staff hope to release the little Fast Food Family in Spring 2019 and will be happy to see them given a chance to live in the wild scampering and playing, free as they were meant to be. |
"That's Me, Nugget." | Help Nugget and the Fast Food Family this Holiday SeasonIf you’d like to lend a hand in the care of the little Fast Food Family over the holiday season, please consider donating one of the following:
On behalf of Critter Care volunteers and staff, we thank you for your support and wish you a very Merry Christmas! |
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"Hi!"
My Name is Nugget!"
"Help me and my Fast Food Family."
