Anderson Humane Wildlife Center

Abby Erickson

2024-04

These people are so amazing and I love what they do! I brought an orphaned squirrel in who had a mite infestation! He was very sad and cold and he would've been eaten by dogs or cats had we left him there. We brought him into our garage to sleep in some shavings and burrow. He is a very lively little guy, but obviously we don't have the means nor the knowledge to take perfect care of him. We gave him some natural mite treatment and let him sleep under a heat lamp. (They were closed the day we found him so we kept him for the night) when my husband and I brought him in they were so sweet and explained their treatment and that he'd get to stay with another little orphaned squirrel! They love animals and it shows! I definitely recommend this place, they were lots of help!!!

Danny Rotstein

2023-05

Very knowledgeable and returned my call quickly after I left a voicemail during the day about an owl on my front step!Kim was great, I emailed her pictures and she told me exactly what to do to coerce this beautiful baby owl back to the woods behind our home. Thankful for the help she gave.

Ruth P.

2023-06

I can’t even begin to describe what a fantastic organization this is. The employees were so helpful, knowledgeable and compassionate. We had baby skunks stuck in a window well. The two ladies who came knew exactly what to do to free the babies and put them in an area where the mother could find them, which she did and they all scurried to the nearest bushes. I thank them from the bottom of my heart for saving these beautiful creatures. They are nonprofit, so I’ll be donating now that I am aware of this wonderful organization.

Taylor Garbacz

2023-08

We came upon a bunny nest abandoned with one baby bunny left and Anderson Humane center quickly called back for us to bring it in and was so knowledgeable, kind and reassuring that the baby bunny was in good hands. Can't recommend them enough!!

Jessica Chaney

2023-05

Wonderful place that does wonderful things for animals of all types! The amount of time, love, care, training, and socializing that they put into these fur babies is so heartwarming. They're always looking for volunteers to help out too for daily help at the shelter and/or adoption events. I commend the staff on their dedication and compassion! All dogs/cats are spayed/neutered and microchipped and also come with a free first visit to the vet! Please consider adopting or even fostering!

Bob Hellman

2023-06

Great place, period. We go there often to drop off donations. This time, came home with kitten. Please, if you can, donate. Food, toys, or cash it all goes to a great cause. JoJo says hi!

Brian Allen

2023-05

I unfortunately found injured bunnies after my dog discovered a nest. I contacted this facility and spoke with Destiny. She was very informative and helpful . I was able to bring 2 injured bunnies in and was given great instruction on how to remake the nest. With their help there is 3 baby bunnies continuing to get a chance at life 💙 in their nest, as well as the 2 left in their care.Great staff and facility !!Thank you !!

Jason Bryja

2023-05

It's unfortunate I have to leave this review being an adoption facility and a pet lover myself. I personally own two dogs and two cats.We attended the pets-ah-palooza fest today in Geneva. We got there early expecting to have a fun time with the doggies. As we went to enjoy the dogs for adoption, showing some interest we were approached by a staff member telling us they wouldn't adopt a dog to us due to our collars we were using on our dogs. It hit me as very saddening when I heard that. Definitely feel like we were labeled by the staff and/or adoption facility. Amazing to me an adoption agency can make an animal loving family feel disappointed.

Luella Clark

2023-05

I called the location on Saturday 6/25/22. A robin was stuck inside our condo building. They were not able to come out to assist but the person answering the phones was kind and offered advice on what to do. I had called a few other places and none of them were helpful. I appreciated the advice given regarding catching the bird and what to do if it became injured from hitting the window. I bought a net and was able to get the bird back outside without any injury to the bird.

Carlionna Navarre

2023-05

I had a baby bird fall out of its nest at our house. It was still alive, no injuries.. I called and asked for advice- if I can put the baby back in the nest and I was told to put the bird in a garbage bag and throw it away… because its “the circle of life”… no way. I contacted a different wild life center and they told me to send a picture and video, which I did, and they informed me I can put the bird back in the nest… I’m so glad I got a second opinion.. unbelievable.

Nicole Banfi

2019-05

This place is heaven sent for these injured and abandoned animals. My family and I found a baby squirrel who had been abandoned and had fleas and was in need of some care.After looking around and even finding a facility that would take him I was told he was too small and would need more care then they could provide. They recommended this place and yes it was a little more north and a little more driving but this baby deserved the chance to get the care he needed get back to being in the wild. The place is a little house with beautiful land behind it. The girl who helped me and took “jack” was really kind and sweet. She put him in an incubator and explained to me what they will be doing to help him and even told me the breed of squirrel he is and I left feeling a big sense of peace and happy knowing he was going to be fine.I highly recommend this little safe haven for animals. You can tell the energy they have their is positive and kind and those animals are in good loving hands.

L Taggart

2022-05

Where would we be or what would we do without these angels?I was thrilled they took the duck eggs we saved last month.They gave us expert advice how to care for them until we couldget them there safely. 9 out of 10 eggs hatched and are beingcared for, yay! Robert, a volunteer was wonderful with updates.

Athena Vo

2017-05

They took in my starling birds. The babies weren't being feed from their mother and it had fallen out of it's nest. I took the babies in overnight to keep them safe and to survive. I called them the next day and they said they took starlings. I was so glad because the other place I went to did not take them. Unfortunately on the way there, one out of the four birds did not make it. I'm glad that the three are doing well now know. They were put on a strict every fifteen minute diet. They were put in an incubator right away when I showed them the birds. Great place. If I am ever in this kind of situation again, I would definitely make the drive out here.

Angela Henderson

2020-05

Found a baby bird by the base of a tree. Got a ladder to put it back in the nest and found 2 of the birds in the nest quite unresponsive. 1 opened his eyes and the other did nothing. Called many places and no one would take them. I was given their number by petco, I believe, and they took the birds in welcomely. They were so nice, busy with so many animals, but so very nice. I asked how the birds will do and they said likely fine because they were robins. I’m not sure how they are doing, as this was today, but I hope all is well. The only one suggestion would be to let the customer know they are taking them for good. My 5 year old would have really liked to have said goodbye. Excellent place.

deviltimesnine

2020-05

Awesome that this place exists. They take in injured and abandon birds that need care for release. Brought a baby sparrow in today that surely would have died. They rely on donations and have a friendly staff. If you are looking for something worthwhile to donate to, this would be on the top of the list. Huge praise for this place.

Ashley Ridgell

2019-05

I like the idea of the wildlife center HOWEVER I spent all morning saving an Oriole bird that was stuck in a nest in front of my house. It took nearly 4 hours. I even called the fire department. Finally got it down and rushed it to the Fox Valley Wildlife Center to save it. When we pulled it down it was alive and well, but the bird leg was badly severed from hanging upside down all night. I trusted that if I rushed it to the center that they would attempt to save her. Instead they put it straight into the incubator and euthanized it. Now all day I have been on my back patio watching the male oriole sit on the branch and look for its other half. Next time I would have at least attempted to save it before I drop it off to be put straight to sleep. It was disappointing to say the least. They said when I asked if I could just take it back home that they do what’s best for the animal and that it’s illegal to keep wild birds. At least maybe then it would have had a chance.

veronika koziarova

2021-05

Amazing organization . Truly caring people.Found injured squirrel today in my yard . They were able to take him in right away.They checked him while we were there to tell as what's going on and will release him back to our yard when it's well again. Very lucky squirrel .

jamie hiscock

2019-05

I found two one to two day old baby squirrels at the bottom of my tree on Sunday. I moved them to a towel under the tree and left a loop of crying baby squirrels next to them, I could see the mother in the tree but she would not come for them. After research I found they were dehydrated so I began giving them Pedialyte every two hours being careful not to asphyxiate them. After two feedings their color turned to pink and they had a lot of energy. They also began licking the syringe for each feeding. I put them in a box with a heating pad under neath and a soft t-shirt. They spent their time cuddling each other. I brought them to work the next day (which my boss wasn't happy about but still let me do it) so I could feed them. They were really starting to get strong...picking their heads up etc. I called this place around 8 am and a woman said they will take them. She said don't feed them anymore...they would take care of it when i brought them in. I was concerned about that because everything I read said they needed to now be put on puppy formula (after being re hydrated) every 3-5 hours. By the end of the day they were back to being lethargic. My boss was nice enough to take them there for me since he lives in Elburn. I went home that night thinking they will be ok. The next day, mid morning i called and asked how they are doing. They said they euthanized them because they were too small and they couldn't take the time to care for them. I was shocked! Really? You are a wildlife rehabilitation facility! Why didn't you tell me that in the first place? I would have found a way to care for them until they were old enough for you to take them. I would have just kept bringing them to work. Instead you just killed them. Those poor animals were fighting to live and you didn't give them a chance. I am heartbroken over this.

Anna M

2023-05

I recently found an injured goose and called to have it evaluated. The wildlife center staff member on the phone was very helpful and directed me to Chicago Bird Collision monitors who sent a volunteer to assist the goose.

simply facts

2017-05

I found three baby squirrels under my tree one was already dead one was sitting in the grass and one was barely hanging on to the tree. I called numerous places and no one would take them except fox valley wildlife center. They are amazing. I live an hour away and it was well worth the drive. I know the two surviving squirrels will be taken care of.

Emily Ravnikar

2015-05

The negative review on this center upset me so I figured I'd review my own experience. I very recently found an orphaned baby chipmunk in the rubble of a demolished porch. I took care of it for the night and called this center in the morning. They were very polite on the phone and told me they would definitely take it in for care. It is a great little place right by the entrance to a forest preserve equipped with the many tools and volunteers needed to care for these abandoned animals. Very happy that this place exists.

Greg LeCompte

2021-05

A little windy today, but was a great day for a walk in the woods. Most trees are stripped of leaves now. You would think it would be easier to find birds. Not alot today. Couple of woodpeckers and a Coopers hawk. Wife saw a few smaller birds and could id others from their call. Get out and enjoy the outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. Wildlife center still has some animals here for rehab. They moved up by Elgin. Call before you take in injured animals, you may have to go to new location

Cady

2017-05

I would give zero stars if I could... Last summer I came across abandoned newborn baby bunnies in my backyard. After a day or 2 of waiting for the mother to return, we decided to take in the baby bunnies. They were in terrible condition and very malnourished, luckily I was able to feed them the proper milk mixture (an online professional rehabber provided me with the recipe) through a small eye dropper. I then called fox valley wildlife and was greeted by immensely rude staff... despite this, they said even though most people would euthanize them (because they are newborns) they would try take the bunnies. Looking back on everything, this was a major red flag - they essentially implied it would be easier to "just kill" the bunnies. Unbelievable. Flash forward, I drive FIVE hours to fox valley rehab center to drop off these baby bunnies. Upon arrival they immediately start informing me about how much money it costs to care for these rabbits and so on... obviously trying to guilt me into donating which was completely unnecessary because I was planning on donating anyways so that the bunnies could receive the best possible care. Before I can tell the girl that I was already planning on donating, she shoved a paper at me that says it typically costs "50$ to care for ALL the baby bunnies they take in each season." I hand the girl 150$ - enough to care for HUNDREDS of bunnies besides my own. She immediately is shocked and tells me that was a huge donation. As she says this she gives me a sarcastic glare and a smirk as if she knows the money won't be used for the animals... looking back, she might've even pocketed the money for herself. As I give her the bunnies I hand her my written down phone number / email and ask her to please update me when she has a chance to let me know if the bunnies are okay (online research shows newborn bunnies are incredibly difficult to care for). She yanks the bunnies from me and immediately argues that she will NOT update me ever regarding the bunnies because they "don't have time for that." Considering I was only asking for ONE email, that could've only been a few sentences long telling me that the bunnies were doing okay and we're back to health, her response was ridiculous. Especially after the donation I made you would think she would've been kinder. Overall, this place is extremely shady and unprofessional... it is in the middle of nowhere and part of me truly regrets bringing these terrible people my precious bunnies. It's heartbreaking to say, but I honestly would not be surprised if they euthanized those bunnies as soon as I drove away given the girl's attitude. They made it very clear taking care of the bunnies would be a burden and they were definitely not happy to do it. Seems to me they try to scam people into donating and are probably keeping the money for themselves without caring for the animals properly... in addition, the majority of the staff here are VERY young, and look immensely inexperienced. I highly suggest taking your animals elsewhere. This place is very sketchy and full of extremely rude staff that are unprofessional and do not care about the animals. You have been warned.

David Naster

2018-05

Was a little disturb when reading the negative response left, but after calling and talking to Robert, I felt so much better and no longer was concerned about the negative comment. This person obviously had issue of her own she must have been dealing with.My story begins with a baby raccoon I found on the side of the road with a bloody mouth while walking my dog. I stayed with the raccoon and made a few calls and did not get the response I was looking for. Seemed I could not find help through the local Animal control people in our community.I took my dog back to my house, did a little research and found two sanctuary one in Elburn and one in Glen Ellyn. When I called Glen Ellyn one the informed that they where to capacity and could not take any more animals, they suggested Fox Valley wildlife. When I called Robert was super helpful and pleasant, he asked many questions about the animal and then sad it would be best to bring the animal out if I could. Upon my arrival a young lady feeding a injured duck greeted me and then got Robert. Robert came out and helped right away with the animal, and was concerned that he may be traumatized by the ride out and immediately put him into an incubator to settle Sherman the raccoon down. (my son named him Sherman cause he was found on Sherman Ave) Before leaving I asked a few questions about what will happen to Sherman, and Robert was very knowledge in telling me the routine. That eventually he will be put back into the wild. I felt very good about my desicion and left feeling happy that I was bale to bring this poor animal here. Everyone was pleasant and not once did they speak of expenses or donations. I myself decided to make a small donation and in the future will make more. They survive solely on donations and this is a great place to have in our community. Trust them whole heartedly.

Kahlil Murphy

2021-05

I week ago I had to get a squirrel unstuck from a flower planter outback, after we worked together to get him out( the squirrel and I) he flopped to the ground and tried to go finish livin his best life.In spite of his best attempts, all he could do was pull himself along with his front legs... I said " oh no ya dont" scooped him up and put him in a blanket inside of a box to warm up and rest.My roommate was able to locate Fox Valley Wildlife Center in Elgin, and I was told that " If I just let him go off to recuperate on his own, that he may be starve (no use of back half of body to get food) and he might be vulnerable to predators... I wanted him to be free, but this was a much more sensible plan.When I dropped the lil guy off, we said goodbye and I just prayed that he would forgive me for relocating him away from his home. Still concerned about him, I ask if I could call to check on his recovery.When I called back about 3 days later, I was told that he was recovering really well, that he was gonna be reacclimated to the cold temps before being set free (come on, you gotta love that right?!?!) and I could even come and get him to set him free back at home!!!!! I LOVE THIS MORE THAN WORDS.I'll be setting my friend back outside pretty soon, and I am really looking forward to that.Thank you so much Fox Valley Wildlife Center, you do my heart good.

nadia011997

2023-07

Literally have dropped off every wild animal i come in contact with that needs help. They take care of them and make sure they are healthy!!

Amy

2021-05

Contacted Center after I found abandoned ducklings, they gave me good advice and took the ducklings as soon as I could get them there. Amazing responsiveness and professionalism. I'm glad there was someone to turn to and get help.

Urawsum

2022-05

I came here when I found a small injured bleeding bird on the road of Romke, so in the country side, sort of. They were quick and kind and I hope the bird is okay. This is my second time finding a bird on the road. I am in shock how many people simply run them over..but I am overly vigilant about watching for animals on the road and always stop to see if an animal is still alive or just to move the corpse out of repect for the life.The first time, one of your rangers saw my stopped car and me panicking as i held a little bird. The woman was able to take the bird with her, in her truck. I am very grateful for you taking in injured animals.

Cheryl Miller

2023-07

We came in and were met with the most rude people I have ever met! Sad that people in the service industry of saving animals can be so rude to people.

Sam Weimer

2019-05

Just dropped off Van Gogh (injured baby possum - right ear cut off by farmer's mower). The staff and volunteers are hard at work this Memorial Day caring for injured and/or orphan wildlife in very steamy working conditions! Everyone please remember, this is a non profit, you don't have to donate if you drop off an animal BUT they can't treat the animals without medication, supplies, first aid items, formula, food, etc SO financial donations are needed and GREATLY appreciated! Or check out the website's wishlist for items you can donate.