Wild & Free Wildlife Rehabilitation Program

Wild and Free is a 501(c)3 nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation organization based out of Garrison, MN. Animals from all over the state are brought here for veterinary services and rehabilitation. Our mission is to professionally rehabilitate wildlife, educate the community, and conserve the natural environment. We provide rescue, medicine, surgery, and physical therapy leading to the release of wildlife into their natural habitat. We envision a community that values the natural environment and the creatures that inhabit it, where the public, wildlife rehabilitators, and wildlife professionals work in collaboration to preserve the health and diversity of local ecosystems for generations to come.

In 2023 we served 831 animals.  These animals range from baby mice, to raccoons, fox, bobcats, a myriad of raptors, fawns, black bears, and much more.  Some of the notable animals that we had during the 2023 season include an otter, a beaver, a coyote, and a nighthawk. We also transferred two unreleasable raccoons to the MN Zoo and one unreleasable merlin to Open Door Bird Sanctuary in Wisconsin. 

We are fortunate to partner with the veterinarians from the Garrison Animal Hospital who donate all their time and talents to us.  Last year, they donated over 2,400 hours and $179,000+ in services.

We are a volunteer based organization.  In 2023, our volunteers donated over 3,000 hours.  We are so grateful for these wonderful people who care so much for our animals.  During the baby season (May - August), you will see our volunteers working tirelessly to come in three times a day, seven days a week to feed the hundreds of babies we receive and then work to keep the pens, cages and facility clean.  It truly takes a village!

Thank you to our members, donors and sponsors who continue to keep us financially stable. And thank you to the community of people who care for our wildlife and environment. We could not do this work without your support! Our most recent additions include our second 1.25 acre bear pen, a waterfowl pond enclosure, and property to develop an intake facility! 

The support from our community, and animal lovers near and far, has been overwhelming. We are beyond excited for what is to come, and we hope that you will join us in our endeavors. Our Give to the Max Day goal for 2024 is to raise $5,000 to assist in the renovations necessary to turn our new property into a functioning intake facility before next season.