Check out our new outdoor pre-release conditioning area for the animals!
Orphaned animals that are raised in captivity need to have the space and the time to exercise their muscles so that, upon release, they have the physical ability and endurance necessary for their survival. They also need to learn how to hunt and forage before release. Injured animals that have completed the healing process need this period of acclimation to regain their muscle mass and endurance.
The animals need caging styles, sizes, and shapes specific to their species that promote their natural behaviors, and appropriate substrate for their feet or for burrowing. If the cages are too small, they do not have the space that they need to get the muscle mass and endurance required (e.g., aerial dives for insectivores), and they will not have adequate experience foraging and hunting. Our caging size, structure and substrate comply with the Standards for Wildlife Rehabilitation set forth by the National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association and the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council.
We were able to complete this capital project thanks to a variety of funders and incredible volunteer support!
- Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation
- Four Cedars Environmental Fund of the Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation
- Minnesota Power
- Partners 4 Wildlife
- Brenda Macdougall Estate