Effort to save wildlife

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - There's no doubt the oil has injured dozens of animals.

 "So we're getting birds in throughout the day, we've also got in muskrats, we've got in turtles," said Linda Elliott, Wildlife Care Manager.

The former Firekeepers Casino administrative offices have become a mobile rehab center for sick and injured animals.  Focus Wildlife has stocked shelves with dish soap and ensure. Wildlife coated in oil are also nutritionally deprived from not feeding.  Focus Wildlife says a common misconception of treating wildlife in oil spills is to clean immediately but it's first priority is to stabilize and re-hydrate.

"So they're usually in stabilization for several days before they can be even be washed, sometimes we see anemia problems and definitely dehydration," said Elliott.

When animals arrive here, they get a full examination and a check of vital signs.  Volunteers wear suits to stay clean of the oil and are providing much of the close up care.

 "In fact we've gotten so many volunteer requests, you know, there's just not enough openings for those folks," said Lorraine Grymala of Enbridge.