Zenaida Doves Fall From Nest In Storm

The following story about Zenaida doves was shared with us by St. John Wildlife Rehabilitation in St. John Island, U.S. Virgin Islands.

In April 2025, a veterinarian on St. Thomas reached out to St. John Wildlife Rehabilitation with an urgent request. Two baby Zenaida doves had been found on the ground, likely knocked from their nest during a recent storm. They were brought to the local humane society, which was not equipped to care for such young birds. Recognizing the need for specialized support, the doves were transferred to St. John Wildlife Rehabilitation.

Upon intake, the birds weighed just 39 and 36 grams (about 1.4 and 1.3 ounces) — far too small and fragile to survive on their own. They were too young to self-feed, so caregivers began supplementing their nutrition with EmerAid, a formula designed to support developing wildlife. As the doves grew stronger, they transitioned to self-feeding on a diet that closely mimicked what their parents would have provided in the wild. Their development was further supported by EmerAid bird vitamins, ensuring they received the nutrients needed to thrive.

After a month of dedicated care, the young doves were ready to return to their natural habitat. They were successfully released back into the wild, healthy and prepared to take flight on their own. Their story is a testament to the importance of collaboration between veterinary professionals and wildlife rehabilitators, and a reminder of the impact that compassionate care can have on even the smallest lives.