Saving Cinder

Cinder, a North American Porcupine was found at Lake Meredith in the Texas Panhandle. The area had been ravaged by a wildfire that started at the end of February 2024 and lasted 3 weeks. When the Oregon Forestry Service came down to help, they spotted her in the open area. She was weak, having trouble breathing, and terribly burned on her feet, face, and all of her quills. They contacted Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (1 hour away), who sent a team member out to rescue/transport her.

Cinder was immediately placed in an oxygen chamber and given supportive care. Once it was determined she was a girl, she was x-rayed to make sure she wasn't pregnant since porcupines usually have their babies from April-June. Cinder was pregnant, but the almost full-term baby had passed.

The next step was to start a mild induction to help her pass the baby so she wouldn't get sick. Five days into the induction she passed a beautiful baby girl. It was heartbreaking!

Cinder's journey is not over. She will likely be in our care for at least a year. The burns on her feet are severe and it can take up to 8 months for all her quills to grow back.

She was not the only wildlife victim from the Texas Panhandle Wildfires that burned over a million acres. This fundraiser will support her care, others like her, and native wildlife that come through our doors seeking treatment and refuge until they are returned to the wild.