Rescue Me! Pine Tree Hill Wildlife Care & Exotic Rescue

In the last edition of Rescue Me! We visited SA Rocks, this time we are doing something a little bit different…but simply put AMAZING! I am super proud to know this woman and rehabilitation center!

A little while back, my father in law accidentally disturbed a squirrel’s nest. We were very distraught to find 2 itty bitty hairless babies in it! What were we supposed to do now?

After some research we decided to try and get mom to take them back by putting the nest back. However, after two days and no sign of mom…we soon realized that she wasn’t coming back for them and it was pretty cold out.

Off to my computer I went to try and find help. I have had success raising kittens from young ages…but I had no idea what to do for a squirrel. I ran across this wonderful lady and have never felt so lucky in all of my life!

Curious yet?? Keep reading for some amazing information!!

Who are you? What do you do?

Pine Tree Hill Wildlife Care & Exotic Rescue .  Owner/Director-Margaret Buckelew.

We are a not-for-profit rescue that specializes in the critical care of orphaned wildlife native to SC.  We also, when space and budget allow, take in exotic animals from primates to ferrets.

All wildlife is rehabilitated and released. Exotics are cared for and re-homed or rescues/preserves that specialize in specific species take them in.

When did you first open your doors?

About 20 years ago!

Camden, SC  We cover Kershaw, Fairfield, Sumter, Lee, Darlington, Chesterfield counties.

How many staff members do you have? Volunteers?

We do not have any paid staff members at this time.  Locally we have 2 volunteers.  We have a network of people who do transports for us state-wide.

What types of animals do you rescue?

Native mammal wildlife that is permitted by SC law. Exotic pets that can no longer be cared for by the owners or exotics that are confiscated.

How many animals can you/do you house?

What we can house depends on the species and time frame.  We rehab and release about 300 animals each year!

How can I help? Is it possible to donate online? If so how?

We get no state or federal funding.  We depend 100% on the generosity of others for our rescue to operate.

We accept monetary donations through paypal using the address jimani96@bellsouth.net

Monetary donations pay for vet bills, medicines, transportation and supplies. We also accept gift cards to WalMart or feed stores to purchase supplies as needed.  We can always use gas gift cards.

What are the requirements to be a foster mom/dad?

We do not foster wildlife or exotics. It is against the law for anyone not certified by the state to house some of these animals.

We offer classes for about $60 per person/family  to learn to rehab wildlife. We do adopt out exotics to people who have knowledge of the species they want to adopt.

What are volunteering opportunities that you have?

Right now our main need for volunteers is for transports.  People often want to come clean cages or feed babies, but whether or not we are permitted to have others on site depends on the critters we have.

When we have rabies vector species, for instance,  we cannot let just anyone help out.

These reasons are also why we do not allow ‘on site’ visitors.  Too much opportunity for people to bring people germs and leave with critter germs.

Who do I contact if I would like to volunteer?

Contact me.  We can try to hook you up with some classes if you want to be a more hands on volunteer.

If you’re interested in transportation we can get you some info on the proper transport procedures.

Individual Rescuer:

Introduce yourself and where do you hail from?

I’m Margaret Buckelew of Camden, SC.

What is your favorite animal?

Flying Squirrel

Do you have any pets?

6 Dogs, 2 cats, 1 ferret, 1 mini pig, 3 prairie dogs

What rescue group, shelter, or sanctuary do you own, work for, or volunteer at?

Pine Tree Hill Wildlife Care & Exotic Rescue

How did your adventure in animal rescue begin?

My husband is a Wildlife Control Operator through the SC DNR  He was always bringing some critter home…so it came about naturally.

What rescue experience moved or inspired you the most?

Our first ferret rescue.  His name was Oskar.  I wrote a children’s book about him and I use it to educate kids about proper pet responsibility.

Do you have a favorite adoption story?

Oskar the Ferret…he touched sooo many people’s lives.

What is most frustrating about rescue work?

lack of funds and people who do not properly care for the animals they take in.

If you could give pet owners one piece of advice what would it be?

Research EVERY animal before you take responsibility for it.  The most common mistreatment of animals I deal with (wild, exotic, and domesticated) is improper nutrition!

What advice can you give to someone who might want to get involved with or start an animal rescue group, shelter, or sanctuary?

Learn everything you can.  Never stop learning or think you know it all.  Have a lot of patience because dealing with the public can be trying.

When you are not saving animals what do you like to do?

I didn’t know I had an option to do anything other than rescue???  Um…I like to track down old abandoned or forgotten cemeteries.  I love to be outdoors.  I cherish every moment I have with my human children 🙂