The young raccoons at Heth Haven are like children everywhere- they love toys, and they like to spend their days playing with their friends. Socialization is a crucial part of the rehabilitation process. Injured and orphaned babies miss the opportunity to learn proper “raccoon manners” that healthy littermates learn under the close eye- and swatting paws- of their mothers.
In the specialized, progressive habitats on the edge of the famed Marshes of Glynn on St. Simons Island, Georgia, recovering wildlife learn to live in the company of others of their species, despite their having come from litters all over the state. The injured, sick and orphaned wildlife that arrive at Heth Haven might have separated from the rest of their family during a storm, or lost their mother when she was hit by a car while hunting for food for her babies. Recovering at Heth Haven gives them a chance to learn the necessary skills, including social ones, to thrive in the wild when they are released.
“It’s really fun to watch,” noted Heth Haven founder, Mark Heth. “Everybody has a favorite toy and a best friend.”
Rehabbers at Heth Haven keep the toy box in the “teenagers hangout” full of a variety of trinkets that interest adolescent raccoons. Some youngsters like soft toys like teddy bears, while others play with seashells or throw a ball. The play not only builds agility and dexterity, it keeps the highly intelligent raccoons happy. Soon, when they are old enough to be released back into the wild, the lessons learned at the toy box and on the swings will transfer into survival skills.
Raccoons love shiny things, interesting shapes and… cameras. Heth Haven’s teenagers love having their pictures taken, but given the chance, they would have loved to take over the photographer’s job. After every shot, there were at least four pairs of little paws reaching for the nice, shiny silver box.
No thanks, guys, we’ve got it covered.
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