WILDLIFE IN NEED CENTER LTD Information

The Wildlife in Need Center (WINC) is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization whose mission is to rehabilitate sick and injured Wisconsin wildlife with the goal of releasing them back into their native habitat, to conduct research designed to further the positive impact of rehabilitation, and to provide quality community education programs and services. WINC's is one of as the largest standalone wildlife rehabilitation facility in Wisconsin, and one of only two in the state that admits all species of Wisconsin wildlife (except for skunks and current COVID-species restrictions). WINC’s animal care department provides the essential medical, veterinary care as well as the general husbandry and feeding to injured, sick, or orphaned wildlife patients. Once animals are rehabilitated back to a healthy condition, they are released back to their native habitat. WINC's Education Department and animal ambassadors present an average of 100 programs annually for school, scouts, civic and community groups annually. The educational message presented is about living harmoniously with wildlife—including practical advice about what to do when encountering wild animals and about Wisconsin wildlife habitat, behavior, and other information. WINC fields over 12,000 phone calls annually from concerned residents who encounter an orphaned, ill or injured wild animal. Every call is unique and is answered by a staff member or volunteer who has been trained to provide the relevant and necessary information. WINC has a small staff of 7.5 FTE supported by 50-80 volunteers whom donate 10,000 hours annually. WINC is licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. WINC receives no county, state, or federal funding. Through its fundraising efforts—focused on membership, private donations, grants, events and education programs—WINC is able to operate 365 days a year.