I interviewed Jackie Wilcox of Lucky’s Place Wildlife and Rehabilitation in Woodstock, GA.
Can you tell us about Lucky’s Place and why did you name it that?
Years ago may husband and I adopted a Dalmatian we called Lucky. Lucky loved all animals except other dogs. She was very interested in small wildlife and particularly loved a Toad that would wait for Lucky at the door to come out and interact with it. I know it sounds crazy but it’s true, they had a special bond. On our walks I always told Lucky we were going to save animals and she is my inspiration behind Lucky’s Place - where wildlife matters. I get a lot of injured squirrels and hit by car possums. I rehab them and get them back into the wild.
How long have you been doing this and what got you started?
I have been licensed since 2020. I fell in l love with a possum that kept visiting my front porch. I started talking to rehabbers and went from there.
What are the main kinds of animals that you help?
Mostly opossums, squirrels, groundhogs and fawns.
What is your favorite animal and why?
Opossums are my favorite. They are very misunderstood creatures.
What is a story you love to tell about rehabbing?
A guy found an opossum that a dog had attacked. He thought it was dead and put it in a bag in the trash. Two days later he noticed the bag moving, there were babies in the pouch. I rehabbed them and when they were old enough they went back to the wild.
What do you want people to know about wildlife?
Wildlife has its place in the ecosystem. Each specie has a place. Don’t be afraid of wildlife. Foxes and Opossums are not going to charge you. Coyotes are not going to chase you. Opossums and squirrels do not have rabies. If you see them out during the day they are not rabid, they are just looking for food for their families.
What are the main reasons animals come to you?
Orphaned or injured. Hit by car, and attacks by dogs and cats.
How can the community help you?
They can follow Lucky’s Wildlife Rescue on Facebook or visit Lucky’s-place.org. Transporters are always needed and can volunteer through Georgia Wildlife Network. I am always grateful for donations and volunteers.