Baby Chipmunk Becomes First Patient At San Diego Wildlife Center

CARLSBAD, CA – San Diego Wildlife Center's first patient arrived Wednesday morning, less than 48 hours after the facility opened in Carlsbad. The 3-week-old Merriam's chipmunk was found on the sidewalk near San Diego County Animal Services.

"They were able to pick it up and bring it to us," said Trish Jackman, director of San Diego Wildlife Center. "Other than being thirsty, it seems to be in good condition."

The staff at County Animal Services is searching the area to see if there are more babies, a nest or a mother looking for her stray baby, according to San Diego Wildlife Center. If they find the nest, they will try to reunite the baby with its mother and siblings.

If the baby can't be reunited with its family, the chipmunk will eventually be released back into the wild, Jackman said.

"This is wildlife. It's not a pet," Jackman said. "We will handle it as little as possible. While it's here it will get the medical care and attention it needs, but our goal is to make sure it's able to survive in its natural environment."

The San Diego Wildlife Center, which is operated by the Rancho Coastal Humane Society, opened Monday at 2380 Camino Vida Roble.

The center accepts any wildlife in need. Treatment for some animals will take place on site, while other animals will be transferred to rescue partners for further care.

For more information about San Diego Wildlife Center, visit www.sdwildlife.org.

Images via San Diego Wildlife Center