Behind the Numbers: DCHS's Wildlife Center's 2024 Report

What animals were admitted to DCHS's Wildlife Center for rehabilitation in 2024? How many of what species, and which patients were our favorites? Read our annual wildlife rehabilitation report.

Dane County Humane Society's (DCHS's) Wildlife Center admitted a total of 3,377 individuals from 148 different species in 2024. In 22 years since the program began, admission totals have reached 48,618.

Above: Graph of annual wildlife admissions to DCHS's Wildlife Center from 2003 to 2024.

American mink #24-3321 (top photo) and Eastern tiger salamander (above) are among the patients that highlighted the incredible diversity of species admitted for rehabilitation at DCHS's Wildlife Center in 2024. Photo credit: Lesley Haven.

What species were admitted the most in 2024?

2024 Patients of the Year

Once again, staff, interns, and volunteers put forth nominations for their favorite individual patients that were admitted and rehabilitated at DCHS's Wildlife Center throughout the year. Votes were tallied and reviewed by our Werndli Apprentices, who kept track of the winners and presented them as "Patient of the Month." Our team sincerely enjoys this activity because it highlights different animals in treatment, along with their unique personalities. We also know that sharing their stories may connect people to the incredible efforts that go into caring for them.

Congratulations goes out to American White Pelican #24-2548 for having the "spiciest" attitude and who received the most votes to be considered "Patient of the Year" in 2024. Below is the full spread of candidates for all to enjoy:

Jackie Sandberg is the Wildlife Program Manager at DCHS's Wildlife Center.

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