Jan 12, 2024

Behind the Numbers: Wildlife Center's 2023 Annual Report

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What animals were admitted to DCHS’s Wildlife Center for rehabilitation in 2023? How many of what species, and what patients were our favorites? See our annual wildlife rehabilitation report.

Dane County Humane Society's (DCHS's) Wildlife Center admitted a total of 2,088 individuals of 133 different wild species in 2023.

Top photo (by Wildlife Volunteer Lesley Haven): Siblings #23-1487 and 1488 were among a group of three House Wrens raised at DCHS's Wildlife Center after being found as orphans in mid-August. Above: The graph of annual wildlife admissions to DCHS’s Wildlife Center (DCHSWC) from 2003 to 2023
The chart shows the top ten species admitted to DCHS’s Wildlife Center in 2023.

2023 Patient of the Year

Once per month, staff, interns, and volunteers vote for their favorite individual patient that was admitted and rehabilitated here at DCHS’s Wildlife Center. Nominations are collected and reviewed by our Werndli Apprentices, who keep track of the winners and name them our wildlife “Patient of the Month.” This is a fun way to highlight the joy of caring for animals while also sharing the reasons for the effort and care that goes into our program from those who give support.

Congratulations goes out to bobkitten #23-1033 in the “Wildcard” category who received the most votes out of all of the wild animals that were released in 2023. Below is the full spread of selected candidates for all to enjoy:

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Sep 3rd, 2026

Healing Their Wings: One Red-Tailed Hawk's Journey Back to the Skies

The story below was presented at Toto's Gala: Together for Good at Monona Terrace on March 20, 2026. This hawk remains in rehabilitation as of September 1. We will update the story as they progress.

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Aug 3rd, 2026

Farly's Journey from FIP to Family

Your support gave Farly the chance to beat FIP and find a new home!

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Aug 2nd, 2026

DCHS Assists Ridglan Farms Beagle Rescue

Important updates about the Ridglan Farms beagles.

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Jul 23rd, 2026

To Fledge or Not to Fledge

Finding a baby bird on the ground doesn't always mean it needs rescuing. Many healthy fledglings spend time on the ground as a normal part of learning to become independent. Learn more below.

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Jul 23rd, 2026

Day in the Life of Our Wildlife Interns

What does a day at DCHS's Wildlife Center look like? Follow our interns as they gain hands-on experience caring for and rehabilitating sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife.

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Jul 23rd, 2026

How You Can Help Migrating Birds

Help birds have a safer migration! Learn simple, bird-friendly actions you can take this fall to protect birds migrating in Wisconsin.

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