WAYNESBORO — As Thanksgiving approaches, staff members at Virginia Wildlife Center are busy preparing to provide care to a wide range of feral patients.

This year, veterinary and rehabilitation teams are expected to care for approximately 153 animals on Thanksgiving Day, with personalized meals and treatments tailored to each patient’s needs, the Wildlife Center said in a news release.

As of November 26, the Center was expecting approximately 135 patients, as well as 18 educational animals in their care. Since the number of patients is significantly lower than in the summer months, when the Center cared for nearly 300 animals per day, the upcoming guest list of 153 will be much more manageable, they said.

Instead of a traditional Thanksgiving meal, Wildlife Center staff will prepare dozens of species-specific meals to meet the nutritional needs and preferences of each animal. While rehabilitation staff are busy preparing these special meals, veterinarians will administer medical care, including dispensing medications, cleaning wounds, changing bandages and performing daily health checks. The team will remain on alert, ready to welcome any new patients who may arrive.

The Wildlife Center of Virginia’s ability to provide essential care to wildlife is made possible by the generous support of caring individuals.

“As we approach the holiday season, staff would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Center’s supporters who help make this essential work possible. Staff and patients are deeply grateful for their continued support! the Wildlife Center said in the release.

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This article was originally published on Staunton News Leader: A wild Thanksgiving: Wildlife Center feeds and cares for 153 patients