Couple Rescues Abandoned Baby Squirrel And Raises Her Properly
Can you fathom returning home after a tiring day, only to discover a mother squirrel has ingeniously fashioned a nest of twigs, dried pine, and branches upon your bed, and nestled within are two newborn baby squirrels? How would you react to such an unexpected scene?
For one gentleman, the obvious recourse was to summon a local couple well-versed in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, named Christina and Michael. This choice proved to be among the most fitting for these delicate, diminutive creatures, though the unfolding narrative held twists beyond anyone’s imagination.
The initial objective of the couple was to reunite the infants with their mother, yet it became evident that the mother squirrel, intermittently appearing and departing, displayed no intentions of transporting her offspring elsewhere. Evidently, her original dwelling had been rendered uninhabitable due to construction activities…
Over time, the mother squirrel ceased her visits to her offspring entirely, and it is at this juncture that the tale embarks on its next unforeseen trajectory.
Devoid of their maternal figure, one of the babies met a tragic fate. Consequently, Christina and Michael engaged the services of a wildlife veterinarian to assess the remaining infant, who regrettably opined that the surviving baby’s chances were equally slim.
Michael and Christina resolved to undertake the care of the surviving infant themselves.
They bestowed the name Thumbelina upon her and assumed the responsibilities of nurturing her back to health and facilitating her recovery. They remarked, “The majority of squirrels we take in are rehabilitated and subsequently released into their natural habitat, yet Thumbelina’s case was distinct.”
Thumbelina’s circumstances were undeniably exceptional.
Born during an atypical season and bereft of her sibling, she found herself isolated from typical interactions with fellow squirrels during a critical developmental period.
According to Live Science, newborn squirrels are referred to as kits or kittens and are “born without sight.”
Typically, mother squirrels give birth to litters comprising 2 to 8 offspring, relying on maternal care for a span of 2 to 4 months. These infants usually subsist on their mother’s milk for 7 to 8 weeks before transitioning to a diverse diet, reflective of their omnivorous nature. Their menu encompasses an array of items including fungi, nuts, seeds, fruits, eggs, small insects, caterpillars, and even juvenile snakes and other diminutive creatures!
Replacing the role of maternal nourishment posed a formidable challenge for the dedicated caregivers.
Thumbelina was nourished using syringes and bottles, overseen by her human attendants.
Thumbelina belongs to the Eastern Grey Squirrel species.
Her narrative holds valuable insights into the intricacies of the wildlife that surrounds us.
In truth, Thumbelina’s human caregivers have made commendable strides in shouldering the responsibility of raising her.
They said:
“Thumbelina is now our little ambassador squirrel and she helps us to teach people how important it is to respect and be kind to all wildlife.”
Against all odds, Thumbelina managed to defy adversity.
Thumbelina’s uniqueness was apparent from the very outset, manifesting in various aspects.
On her blog:
She always progressed a bit slower. Most babies don’t care for milk once they taste real food, Thumb was a giant baby with a bottle who refused to eat real food. Most babies open their eyes between 4-5 weeks of age, little Thumb waited almost 9 weeks. Most babies can’t wait to jump, and climb, and be ‘a squirrel,’ not Thumb.
Despite their efforts, Thumbelina’s caregivers attempted to integrate her with fellow Gray Squirrels.
They recounted her journey:
“She alway preferred to walk instead of run, to sit and wait rather than climb or leap, and she only cared to play and interact with her human Mom and Dad. Even when introduced to babies, when she finally opened her eyes, she wanted nothing to do with them. She would not interact with the new babies. She’d go sleep by herself, she refused to play with the other babies, and became very stressed in their presence.”
Thumbelina never unequivocally demonstrated readiness for life in the wild, despite this being the initial aspiration.
Her caregivers acknowledged:
“She’s slower, less reactive, and HATES the cold weather. She doesn’t climb or jump well, and is a bit clumsy. She does not have a strong grip, which is crucial when navigating through trees high above the ground. She’s unique in every little way. She’s simply Thumbelina. This is NOT NORMAL, even in most non-releasable squirrel cases.”
“Thumbelina now fills her days, engrossed in companionship with her devoted parents—engaging in play, cuddles, and predictably, the occasional escapade!”
On their Facebook page, they shared:
She loves sugar snap peas, kale, Good Day NY, and the Wendy Williams Show. She is terribly afraid of bugs and the vacuum.
“Thumbelina adheres to a meticulously tailored diet, custom-tailored for non-releasable squirrels.”
Thumbelina’s journey was replete with its share of highs and lows. Despite the precision of her dietary regimen, she grappled with weight management challenges for a substantial duration. At a certain point, the revelation emerged that she suffered from hormonal imbalances:
Low progesterone in her body was causing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Endometriosis, enlarged uterus, lots of swelling and discomfort, as well as weight gain.
“I’m uncertain about her self-perception, but it certainly doesn’t align with that of a typical squirrel.”
“I don’t know what she thinks she is, but it’s definitely not a squirrel.”
After surgery, Thumbalina was, “back to her happy, loving, playful little self.”
“Release remains a possibility, albeit a distant one, as she embarks on an extended journey.”
In the words of Michael and Christina:
“Thumbelina continues to struggle with Endocrine issues, and always will. She also suffer with bouts of Alopecia. We are continuously working closely with her amazing veterinary doctor to keep her at a controlled weight and to be sure she is as healthy and happy as possible.”
“Our hope is for Thumbelina to serve as a beacon, underscoring the importance of cherishing and treating all forms of wildlife with reverence and empathy.”
For the time being, Thumbelina is flourishing in her role.
Her Facebook followers have burgeoned to almost 120,000.
And that’s not all!
Her Instagram account is on the cusp of reaching 200,000 devoted followers.
Irrespective of whether Thumbelina’s life unfolds entirely within captivity or she eventually undergoes formal rehabilitation, one fact remains abundantly clear:
Thumbelina will forever be cherished.
