Conservation through Rehabilitation

Keeping the “wild” in wildlife

     The ecosystem we live in today was forged over time through tiny interactions between climate, geology, plants, and animals. Every species has an important role to play in their habitat, and helping maintain this balance is our primary focus. 
     Wildlife rehabilitation is important in conservation because it provides a crucial lifeline for injured or orphaned animals, helping them recover and return to their natural habitats as fast as possible. It plays a significant role in preserving biodiversity in the region by rescuing and rehabilitating species that are challenged by human interactions. Animals that become sick or injured through natural processes should often be left alone. We only intervene when it is absolutely necessary, such as when an animal falls victim to the family pet or collides with an unnatural object.
     Allowing nature to run its course and to keep animals in the wild supports the ecosystem as a whole, and helps promote healthy habitats. Our role is to mitigate human-wildlife challenges wherever possible. There are many steps to take before removing an animal from the wild, so check out our “I Found an Animal” page for more information and what to do if you think you have found an animal in need of help in your area. 

Wildlife rehabilitation

     When intervention is deemed necessary and within our abilities, we provide a quick response to remove the animal from the situation and provide a safe place for rehabilitation until the animal is ready to be released back into the wild. Through our experienced and trained staff and volunteers, we provide the necessary care to assist the animal in need. Often, we receive animals that are in a challenging medical state and must balance the probability of recovery with treating the animal humanely. It is a tough decision, but a service we provide that species nonetheless. For the animals deemed as good candidates for rehabilitation, we try to limit our interactions with that species as much as possible to avoid stressing the animal out further and to avoid any possible habituation to people.
     Our most common patients are young orphaned or injured animals brought to us by people who care and respond quickly when their pet does the unthinkable. When we intake these patients, we assess their body condition, diagnose any issues, provide the necessary care or refer to a specialist who can provide the best care possible. When we receive a patient whose injuries require extra medial attention, we work with local veterinarians and specialists to address the issue. We sometimes need assistance transporting the animal to these facilities. 
Help us transport wildlife in need - sign up today!

Tips to help wildlife

  • Keep your cat indoors

  • Keep your dog leashed while on local trails

  • Check before you mow your lawn

  • Secure the lids on garbage containers when placed outside

  • Do not intentionally feed wildlife

  • Drive the speed limits and watch for animals crossing the roads

  • Use bird deterrent stickers on large glass windows

  • Plant native plants on your property

  • Use passive and behavioral methods to remove nuisance wildlife

Help us help them

There are many ways you can support Sleeping Bear Wildlife Fund.

Supplies we are currently in need of include

  • heating pads

  • bottle warmers

  • cleaning supplies (especially paper towels, nitrile gloves, and trash bags)

  • newspapers

We are also in the market for several larger items, including

  • a 10x12’ or larger shed (with a window)

  • a refrigerator, freezer, or both (small or full-sized)

  • an incubator

If you are interested in volunteering, please email us. We are looking for help with animal care, cleaning, building enclosures, and even administrative tasks.

We accept donations through our PayPal and via check. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit, so all donations are tax-deductible. They will go directly towards formula, diets, vet bills, cleaning, enrichment, and medical supplies.

Wildlife release videos

Red fox release | A red fox gets released back into the wild after a miraculous recovery.

Opossum release | Two opossums are released back into the wild after we received them as young orphans.

North American porcupine release | We released a porcupine back into the wild that was brought to us from another facility and needed a place to “crash” to get back on its feet.