PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A wildlife preserve, nature center and rehabilitation hospital in South Jersey is hosting a baby shower — but probably not the kind you’re thinking of.
The Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge hosts a baby shower every year to raise money. The donation drive offsets the costs of operations and treatment for orphaned or injured baby animals in its care.
Guests are asked to bring essential items to the party. The nonprofit expects an influx of animals during wildlife baby season, between April and September, and it will need supplies to care for them.
Each attendee is asked to bring an item on the refuge’s wishlist — such as paper towels, Ziploc bags, puppy pads — or make a $5 donation.
“We actually treat over 150 different species at Cedar Run, anything from owls to hawks, flying squirrels … skunks, as well as chipmunks,” said Tracey Bloodworth, director of development and communications.
Last year, Cedar Run treated 6,000 injured or orphaned wild animals, including birds, squirrels, skunks and bunnies. Two-thirds of them were babies.
The refuge’s primary goal is to rehabilitate these wild animals for release back into the wild.
The fundraiser will be held off-site at the Medford United Methodist Church on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. There will be games, refreshments and animal ambassadors at the event.