It’s your passion. It’s your life: Wildlife rehabilitation center in Kane County aids injured animals in their journey to recovery
Fighting to Save Sick and Injured Animals
Finding refuge for animals until they can be set free is a full-time job for the volunteers at Kane Area Rehabilitation and Education for Wildlife (KARE), and many of them already have full-time jobs.
A Passionate Mission
“This is nonstop. My phone rings at two o’clock in the morning because someone hit a bird on their way home,” Vicki Weiland, the director of KARE, said. “We had a fox that had a plastic drain pipe around its neck.”
For three decades, KARE has remained one of the few state and federally-licensed wildlife animal rehabilitation sites in the area.
The Journey to Recovery
Week after week, the KARE Facebook page documents the arduous journey her team of volunteers faces.
“We run entirely on volunteers and donations. It can be difficult, you know, finding people who actually want to be committed to this,” Weiland said.
A Home for the Injured
All of the sick and injured animals end up in Vicki’s backyard sanctuary, which has remained a haven for wildlife for 30 years.
Education Outreach
Some of the animals that come into the sanctuary have been so badly injured that they cannot be released back into the wild.
When that is the case, those animals become part of their education outreach program, which is run by volunteers Liz O’Leary and John Papach.
“My ultimate goal is to get kids excited to help nature instead of destroy nature or take away from nature,” O’Leary, the KARE Education Coordinator, said.
The Challenges Faced
“Humans are the number one reason we get our animals in,” Weiland said.
The volunteers work hard, but quietly as they nurse injured fawns, coyotes, possums, and even squirrels, back to health.
“You’re not paid for this. You have to do all the paperwork. You have to keep track of the animals. You have to take them to the vet. You have to do what’s needed for the animals and that’s all on you financially,” Weiland said.
A Price Worth Paying
Vicki works a full-time accounting job to help cover the costs, which often add up to $2,000 a month. It is a price that she believes is worth it, knowing their work is the path back to the open wild.
The Joy of Release
While they are protective of limiting human interaction while the animals are healing, every release back into the wild is documented on their Instagram and Facebook pages.
Conclusion
KARE’s dedication to wildlife rehabilitation is a testament to the passion and commitment of its volunteers. As they continue to care for injured animals, they remind us of the importance of preserving nature and the beauty of the natural world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kind of animals does KARE care for?
A: KARE cares for a wide range of wildlife, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
Q: How do you support KARE’s work?
A: KARE relies on donations and volunteer efforts to continue its mission. You can support KARE by making a donation or volunteering your time.
Q: What is the education outreach program?
A: The education outreach program is a way for KARE to educate the public about wildlife conservation and the importance of preserving nature. It is led by volunteers Liz O’Leary and John Papach.
