updates!
March 6, 2022: Thanks to previous donations, we have been able to save enough to fund Phase 1 of the project and building of the foundation has started!
Phase 2 is 85% funded. We're so close to being able to afford the building materials for this phase...
Please donate! Please share our plea with others!
about this fundraiser
There are approximately 15 wildlife rehabilitators in CT authorized to care for orphaned raccoons. Raccoons are considered Rabies Vector Species (RVS) in CT, meaning they present a higher risk for contracting rabies.
RVS rehabilitators are required to meet more stringent handling guidelines and disease prevention protocols. They must also keep more detailed rehabilitation records. Outdoor caging needs to stand-up to raccoon curiosity, intelligence and dexterity, while keeping predators at bay. Very specific caging requirements must be met for everyone’s safety.
Because of these considerations, not many people are in a position to step-up and become RVS rehabilitators. Ahren and Christine Paulson have been diligently working on the various state requirements to become RVS wildlife rehabilitators since 2017. The final hurdle before they can apply to the state for authorization to rehabilitate raccoons is building an outdoor pre-release enclosure.
Please donate to Christine & Ahren’s fundraiser. Donations are tax-exempt and desperately needed!
More About The Outdoor Enclosure
The outdoor caging will be built with the Minimum Standards for Wildlife Rehabilitation in mind. It will only be used for raccoons to mitigate disease transmission to other species. Each racoon will be provided over 36 square feet of space. The caging will be constructed so that it can be flamed or steam cleaned in order to destroy deadly parasites after each use.
The outdoor cage will be located in a secluded, wooded spot on the property. The foundation will be constructed of solid cement blocks and slightly sloped to aid in drainage. There will also be designated drainage holes to aid in keeping the cage clean. The cage will be framed with rough-cut lumber. Some walls of the cage will be solid and others will be open and covered with hardware cloth. A cage door will lead to a vestibule for additional safety and to prevent inadvertent escapes. Another door within the vestibule will lead to the outdoors. Fencing will be installed surrounding the open walls that are covered with hardware cloth as extra safety measures. The roof will be sloped and covered with clear, corrugated plastic.