Every year, in spring, the phones at the Wildlife Clinic at Nasze Zoo Görlitz-Zgorzelec ring off the hook. Concerned nature lovers regularly call us to report observed young roe deer, raccoons, foxes, nestlings and others that supposedly need help. The calls please our staff, as they have an opportunity to explain what should be done in such situations. However, they are not pleased when healthy young animals are brought to the Görlitz zoo clinic out of ignorance.

The best caregivers for young wild animals are, after all, their parents.

But how can a nature lover recognize whether a young animal is really in trouble? In the vast majority of cases, the animal has no problems at all. The parents of young animals simply do not spend the entire day with their offspring. However, they usually remain in the immediate vicinity. They are afraid to return to their young only when a person is present. Therefore, the most important rule for us humans is: leave the place where the young animals were found as quickly as possible! As soon as their parents feel safe, they will return to their offspring. If someone wants to check whether the young animals are really unharmed, they can inspect the area after 24 hours to see whether the observed animal is still in the same place.

Young foxes and raccoons go on their first independent excursions soon after birth. They appear very helpless, but they are not alone on these expeditions—their mother is keeping watch nearby!

A young roe deer appears to be lying motionless in the forest, meadow or field? Here too, remember to leave the place as quickly as possible. The doe will return for her fawns as soon as the person has gone away. Remaining motionless is a natural defensive strategy for fawns. Their squeaking is not a sign of pain, but a call to their mother, without whom the young animal feels threatened in the presence of a person.

In the forest, park or garden, fledglings that have left the nest before learning to fly properly may sit without flying away. This is normal! Their parents will continue feeding their young as they hop around on the ground.

Although the desire to help young animals is understandable from an ethical point of view, it most often does not benefit the animals themselves.