Local animal rescue feeling the effects of COVID-19 crisis

WILLIAMSON COUNTY - While the COVID-19 crisis is wreaking havoc on virtually every aspect of society, local wildlife rehab expert Pam Sundeen, the director of Second Nature Wildlife Rehabilitation in Thompsonville, says local rehabs are no exception.

"We have new protocols in place," said Sundeen. "No animals can be brought directly into the clinic."

Instead, Sundeen is doing intake over the phone. "Then we'll either pick the animal up at the car or it is placed in the driveway and we pick it up with no human contact."

That's not the way things usually work for Sundeen, who usually welcomes visitors to the facility as well as traveling with some of her charges to do educational presentations on wildlife.

"Those presentations help our bottom line," she said.

However, the biggest change is in the number of animals she will be able to help this season.

"Both of my scheduled interns that were in place for the summer have canceled because of the pandemic," she said. "I can only take in what I can raise alone."

While Second Nature will usually rehab 300-500 animals during a season, Sundeen said that number this year will be closer to 30.

"It's going to be very limited," she said sadly. "I just can't do any more single-handedly."

Along with help, supplies are also limited, as shelves have been wiped out.

Sundeen said that donations of dog and cat food have been good and she orders formula online that is delivered for the babies. However, she also depends on local grocers who donate unsold produce.

"With the shelves wiped out, they have nothing to send us," she said. "We're desperate for produce and for volunteers."

Anyone with donations or who is healthy and available to help can visit the Second Nature Facebook page or contact Sundeen at (618) 627-2000.