In the last ten days, Wildlife Rehab & Education has received 1,059 baby squirrels, 50 birds including some covered in oil, like the pelican and osprey pictured here, and 12 other wild animals like turtles, rabbits, and opossums.

The Texas General Land Office provided its Wildlife Washing Trailer allowing WR&E staff to begin the long process of washing and rehabilitating oiled sea birds. Sharon Schmalz, WR&E Executive Director says that when the birds get oiled, they grow cold and lose their insulation. They often starve, become dehydrated and no longer have the ability to preen, a ritual that allows them to condition their feathers and continually realign their waterproofing structure. She says that the birds pictured here will be rehabilitated and eventually released into the wild.

If you'd like to help WR&E continue their life-saving efforts, click here or mail a check to the Wildlife Rehab and Education Wildlife Center, 7007 Katy Road, Houston, TX 77024.