On Saturday April 15th the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center in Hampton Bays, located at Munns’ Pond County Park, threw a housewarming party for its newest resident, Keela the fox. A crew of three volunteers, who often help the center with building projects, constructed a spacious enclosure for Keela with room to run around and things to climb on, as well as burrows and tunnels to hide in.
Keela was putting those hiding places to good use when we visited – we didn’t catch a glimpse of her. But there were other animal ambassadors on hand, including a peregrine falcon, a tiny screech owl, and a large turkey vulture. There was also a live band, activities for kids, yummy baked goods and other treats, plus t-shirts, sweatshirts, jewelry and more. Rain that threatened held off.
The Rescue Center helped 2,889 animals in 2021 and admitted 177 species. Located on county parkland, there are walking trails and many different wildlife species in the area. At this time of year, if you drive past Munn’s Pond on Montauk Highway at night after it rains, you can hear a chorus of spring peepers (tiny frogs) trilling away.
The Rescue Center is preparing for its 15th annual Get Wild! Benefit – its most important fundraiser of the year. This year’s event takes place on Saturday, June 24th from 4 to 7 pm at the Sagaponack Sculpture Field on Wilkes Lane, Sagaponack. For tickets and information visit the website wildliferescuecenter.org/event/getwild23.
