Providing a Better Future for Wildlife Through Rehabilitation, Education, and Research.

• From Fear to Freedom• The Peculiar World of Parasites• Lead Poisoning in Eagles• A New Home and Purpose• Ways You Can Help

TracksTHE NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTHWOODS WILDLIFE CENTER

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clinical sign of lead toxicity. Stu has gone through the protocol of lead treatments, was recently re-tested, and is currently at 9 ug/dL, a potentially releasable level. We hope for eventual recovery, to allow him to once again soar amongst the clouds.

In wildlife, lead is most toxic when consumed by an animal, as opposed to lead bullets or shot simply lodging in the muscle tissue. Exposure to digestive fluids and stomach acids breaks down the lead, allowing it to be absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed to internal organs, the nervous system, the respiratory system, and the renal system. This lead is being ingested by eagles, raptors, and non-target species when they scavenge the remains and entrails of animals that have been shot.

As we head into another busy year, we hope we can count on your support to help provide for the food, formula, veterinary services, and ongoing care needed for the animals to thrive in our care until we are able to return them to the wild.

While we are facing challenging times with the COVID-19 virus and uncertainties in the market, our injured and orphaned wildlife still need us! Please help us reach our Annual Campaign goal of $250,000 by using the enclosed envelope or donating on our website, www.northwoodswildlifecenter.org. Every little bit helps!

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” –Jane Goodall

Mickey Mueller, Executive Director

The Northwoods Wildlife Center would like to thank all of you who make it possible to save so many injured and orphaned wildlife, allowing us to give them another chance at life back home in the wild. The animals count on those who donate towards their care, the finders who rescue them, the staff, interns and volunteers who spend countless hours providing for their care.

Every animal that we save and release can help to make your life better as well. Squirrels leave behind buried nuts that grow into trees. Raptors control rodent populations. Many birds are important

pollinators. Painted turtles will feed on dead and injured fish, as well as duckweed and algae. The common loon, with its rich yodeling, provides us with the musical sounds of an early summer in the Northwoods. These, and so many other animal species, are all amazing symbols of wilderness, occupying this earth to remind us of the beauty that nature itself beholds.

In the photo with this article is our current patient Stumpy Stu. On November 4, 2019, this eagle was found on a stump by two concerned grouse hunters, who immediately called the Center and transported him to us. We quickly realized that he had no use of his right talon, however, the x-ray was inconclusive of damage. Blood was drawn to test for lead toxicity, and Stu’s result was 51 ug/dL. Lead levels of 40 ug/dL, or greater, are suggestive of lead poisoning in the presence of clinical signs. Nerve damage is a

“Good Morning” cover photo by Gay Van Pelt, 2018 Artist of the Year.

Greetings from the Northwoods

Karen Gabert – PresidentBryon Black – Vice PresidentCarol Warden – SecretaryAubrey Dalbec – Treasurer

Katie Black Dee Dee LundGeri MillerColleen SkjervenHarv Skjerven

Mickey Mueller – Executive DirectorBart Kotarba – Sr. Wildlife EducatorCourtney Wright – Sr. Wildlife EducatorAmanda Schirmer – Sr. Wildlife RehabilitatorAmanda Walsh – Sr. Wildlife RehabilitatorSusan Bilda – Administrative Assistant

Board of Directors NWC Staff

Krystal Westphal, Executive Director of Let’s Minocqua Visitors Bureau + Chamber of Commerce, presented the Northwoods

Wildlife Center a Milestone Recognition Award in honor of our 40th anniversary. (l to r: Bart Kotarba, Amanda Walsh, Mickey Mueller, Krystal Westphal, Amanda Schirmer, Courtney Wright)

Mickey Mueller and Stumpy Stu

COVID-19 UPdateThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused uncertainty for so many people, businesses, and nonprofits, including NWC. One thing that is certain – we have the most generous supporters in the world.

Unfortunately at this time we are not open to the public for tours and we are unable to do educational programming, our two main sources of income this time of year.

Another thing that is certain, the injured and orphaned wildlife will soon be arriving. We are doing everything we can to make sure we are able to provide the care while keeping our staff and the public safe, but we need your help now! Please help us in any way you can to get us and our wildlife through this very difficult time. Thank you for your continued support, together we can do this!

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Please help us in welcoming our newest wildlife ambassador at Northwoods Wildlife Center – Loki the great horned owl! He was rescued from Camp Jorn in Manitowish Waters on June 4th of 2018. He had been found with a broken left wing after most likely having fallen from his nest as a nestling. Upon further examination, his injury was found with dead tissue and bone, so a partial wing amputation was successfully performed by the veterinarians at Northwoods Animal Hospital to prevent further infection.

This spring, this young great horned owl transitioned over to our educational ambassador team and received his forever name – Loki, a fitting name for his feisty personality and great horned head! Our staff is working to glove-train Loki this year, with the goal of eventually working with him as one of our outreach birds in the future.

Education Programs

Meet our New Resident!

Remembering Rory

Northwoods Wildlife Center’s team of environmental educators offer education programming for schools and groups of all ages throughout the Northwoods each year. Below is a sample of the many programs available.

Programming can be provided for schools and school forests, on-site at Northwoods Wildlife Center, or at your events and parties! Programs can be created or formatted to best fit classroom or organization goals. Pricing is dependent on location of program and number of attendees.

For more information, contact Bart Kotarba or Courtney Wright, wildlife educators, at 715-356-7400 or via email at bart.nwc8683@gmail.com or courtney.nwc8683@gmail.com.

• Birds of Prey of Wisconsin• Turtles of Wisconsin• Wildlife Rehabilitation• Rocks and Minerals

• Frog Calls of Wisconsin• Gray Wolf Ecology• Egg Laying Animals

• Be A Wildlife Superhero!• Songbirds of the Northwoods• Insects of Wisconsin

2019 Interns Katrina and Lauren and resident wood turtle Woody

at Eagle River Elementary School Conservation Fair

Owl Costume during Bird of Prey Program at

Northwoods Wildlife Center

Wildlife Educator Bart Kotarba with resident broad-winged hawk Rory at Stoney Creek

Home and Garden

Wildlife Educator Bart Kotarba presenting on insects at Lac du Flambeau Elementary School

Lakeland Union High School students helped rebuild our bald eagle nest on our birds of prey tour

Wildlife Educator Courtney Wright presenting on Turtles of Wisconsin at Lac du Flambeau Elementary

School

The loss of Rory, the Center’s educational broad-winged hawk, was particularly hard on our NWC family including staff, volunteers, interns, board members, and supporters. Rory, with his quirky personality was, by far, the highlight of our outdoor birds of prey tour. With his drawn-out whistles and side-ways looks, Rory will forever be remembered in our hearts as one of our best wildlife ambassadors.

Rory was rescued by our staff in the summer of 2011 after he had fallen from his nest and sustained several injuries. He was approximately 1 month old. One of his injuries was the loss of an eye which meant he was non-releasable in the wild; he would never have the depth perception needed to hunt prey with precision.

From the beginning, it was clear that Rory’s calling was wildlife education. He never let his disability hold him back from educating thousands at our wildlife events, center tours, and educational programs. You will be missed, our friend.

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Thank You to Those Who Make it HappenThank You to Those Who Make it Happen

Spring 2019

Andrew Marino: B.S. Biology from University of Rhode Island - KingstonLauren Zager: M.S. Biology from Miami UniversityLiz Quandt: B.S. Fisheries and Wildlife Science from Paul Smith’s College

Fall 2019

Melissa Phillips: Wildlife Science degree from University of New York College of Environmental Science and ForestryBrittney Graham: Animal Science degree from Oregon State UniversityFrances Torres: Biology degree from University of Wisconsin – Stevens PointJenna Atma: Biology degree from Calvin College

Summer 2019

Katrina Theisen: Wildlife Biology major at University of MontanaAlex Schwander: Zoology degree from Southern Illinois UniversityLiz Quandt: Fisheries and Wildlife Science degree from Paul Smith’s CollegeMelissa Phillips: Wildlife Science degree from University of New York College of Environmental Science and ForestTionna Elkins: Biology degree from Coastal Carolina UniversityFrances Torres: Biology degree from University of Wisconsin – Stevens PointSean Pergams: Animal Science major at University of IllinoisLydia O’Brien: Biology and Computer Information Systems majors at University of Wisconsin – Stevens PointHayley Schnae: Marine Science degree from Texas A&M – GalvestonZack Spodek: Fisheries and Wildlife major at Michigan State University

can happen when an animal is too sick or weak to rid itself of parasites or when there is an abnormally high number of parasites in an area.

Sometimes parasites are only a minor problem for our patients. Many animals have fleas or mites when they are first admitted, which are easily taken care of with a little bit of flea powder. Other times it’s more complicated. For instance, this summer NWC treated an adult loon that wasn’t flying or diving. There were no obvious injuries, but a blood test revealed that the loon was being affected by a high number of parasitic worms. It had to be treated with dewormer over the course

of several days. Once the worms were eliminated, the loon stayed here to regain the weight and strength it had lost to the parasites. Finally, it was ready for release!

Although parasites can be creepy and disturbing, they are also fascinating. They often have unique adaptations that let them live on or in other creatures, such as unusual body parts or complex life cycles. I may not want them anywhere near me, but I can certainly admire them from a distance!

When I came to Northwoods Wildlife Center as an intern this summer, I was prepared for it to be a dirty job. Nobody expects a wild animal to keep its room clean, after all! But one thing I wasn’t expecting was the sheer number of parasites I’d encounter in our patients.

Parasites – organisms that live on or in a host organism which they feed off of – are very common in the wild. The number of parasites an animal has at any given time is called “parasite load.” Animals are able to survive with parasites feeding off of them as long as the parasite load remains reasonably low. A high parasite load, however, can cause serious problems. This

The Peculiar World of ParasitesBy Melissa Phillips, 2019 Summer/Fall Intern

Summer and Fall interns at Hoggie Doggies

Summer interns at 4th of July Parade

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We’d like to give a big shout out to one of our resident ambassador feeders, Karen Broderick! Karen has been volunteering every Tuesday to feed and clean our resident birds of prey and turtles for nearly 7 years! We have seen her curiosity and passion grow for wildlife in need. She has become a treasured member of our family and has been in charge of training new volunteer resident feeders for two years. We appreciate

the enthusiasm you bring to NWC, whether it’s helping the rehab team hold an eagle or providing a release site for animals on the mend – we couldn’t do it without you!

If you’d like to join Karen and the rest of our wildlife center family as a Northwoods Wildlife Center volunteer, give us a call at 715-356-7400.

Volunteer Spotlight: Karen Broderick

adult male with a typical wingspan of 6 to 7 feet, impressive talons, and the angriest face I’ve ever seen. While I aided with his capture in our flight cage, I was not the one to bring him inside. Despite being here for months, he made me nervous but I was determined to see him off into the world.

When it came time to release him, he fought along the way until there was a moment of peace where I was holding him with my thick gloves pressed against my stomach. This eagle had come in with no visible injuries and possible lead poisoning, this was his moment and I was part of the team to get him there.

In that moment, I understood his instincts and his release was amazing. He spread his wings and zoomed into the sky before my eyes. I have the Center to thank for that moment, especially the rehabbers. Their expertise with birds and bird care coupled with their supervision has given me the confidence to grab the equipment, go

outside and bring a resident/patient in for medications, exams, rescues, and releases.

It’s not perfect, there are times I will cower if a bird flies towards me faster than I’d like. However, I like to think the leaps I’ve made are worth more than momentary lapses. Lately, I’ve been working with another resident, Tommi the red-tailed hawk, and while she’s the calmest bird for glove training, there are moments where I fear she’s going to turn and bite me. Working with a bird on the glove takes an immense amount of trust and patience and, to me, it feels like a final test, one I’m certain I’ll be passing.

My experience as an intern speaks volumes of the work being done at the center. Their mission, “Providing a Better Future for Wildlife Through Rehabilitation, Education, and Research” rings true in my story, no matter how small it may seem on the outside. I’ve realized working with wildlife can be as gratifying and life changing as you let it be.

Working with animals has always been a dream of mine, ever since I was little and watching Animal Planet day and night. Growing up in Wisconsin it’s not hard to find a class on agriculture and farm animals. In high school, I took field trips to tour farms and understand the basics of animal care for cows, pigs, chickens, etc.

As an adult, my experiences have gone farther than a farm to volunteering in the mountains with wolves. Waking up early and spending the day outside, tending to animals, their enclosures and educating the public marked my days and nights. That experience shaped my view of rehabilitation for wildlife and brought me here to NWC.

There was one thing I didn’t account for and no amount of wildlife documentaries, University classes, or zoo trips could prepare me for what I faced in NWC: birds. I have a huge fear of birds, not from a terrible experience or anything, just from seeing how powerful and large they can be.

While the Center has animals other than birds, it’s impossible to not be in contact with them throughout the day. From residents to patients, more than a third are birds. So, the odds were against me.

I informed the rehabbers of my fear and from day one they made sure not to put me in any compromising positions. Instead, they worked with my fear and allowed me to go as far as I wanted to try. From cleaning enclosures with a second intern to learning their behavior and understanding how to interact with them before, finally, handling them.

One such instance being the release of an eagle brought down from Eagle River – an

From Fear to FreedomBy Frances Torres, 2019 Fall Intern

Frances assisting with bald eagle release in the fall of 2019.

Frances makes friends with Tommi, NWC’s red-tail hawk wildlife ambassador.

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WinnersWhat talent! Thank you everyone who is a part of this event which celebrates the beauty of animals and nature that enhance our lives. Whether you enter photos, help at the event, or donate a raffle prize, you help the Center and make it a very special evening.

To see all of the photos mentioned below and for details on our 2020 Photo Gala, visit our Facebook page.

BUGS AND BLOOMS CATEGORY1st – 12 Monarchs by David Wittrock2nd – Make a Wish by Julie Klug3rd – Lepidoptera Repast by J.H. Arnold

PETS CATEGORY1st – Solitude by Kristen Dixon2nd – Springer vs Minnows by Gay Van Pelt3rd – Silence is Golden by Heidi Kelly

2019 photo gala contest

YOUTH CATEGORY1st – Untitled by Isabelle Lazar2nd – Sanctuary by Kathryn Wagner3rd – Shoreline Damselfly by Blake Richard

NATURESCAPES CATEGORY1st – Peace on Earth by Jenny Miner2nd TIE – Z Falls in Bloom by Dennis Deitz

Autumn’s Watercolors by Kim Feller

NORTH AMERICAN WILDLIFE CATEGORY1st – Coast is Clear by Thomas Woller (Artist of the Year)2nd – Fawn Swimming by Brian Whitson3rd – Excuse Me…The Bird Feeder is Empty! by Nancy Schuller

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(left to right) North American porcupine came to us as an orphan in the spring after its mother was hit by a car and was released in the fall. This red fox was admitted with a broken leg and released three months later. The loon was admitted with intestinal parasites, was treated and released back on Crawling Stone Lake where it had been rescued.

THANK YOUThank you to all the businesses and individuals who donated to make the Photo Gala a huge success. Please visit the businesses and thank them for helping the critters!

DonorsAlder Lake Cranberry Gift ShopCampanile Center for the ArtsChequamegon Adventure CompanyCheryl AkeyCoontail SportsImaginuityJenny GibsonJohn Bates & Mary BurnsKaren BroderickLake Tomahawk Meat MarketThe Fuhrman FamilyLori’s Flower Cottage

Milky Way Coffee CompanyNorthern Pines GreeneryNorthwoods Animal HospitalNorwood PinesOutback 51River Valley BankSandi ReicheltSaveMore MarketplaceSharon ReillySmokey’s RestaurantStoney Creek Home & GardenThe Blueberry PatchThe Boathouse

The Cheese BoardThe Ippen FamilyThe Thirsty WhaleToni PolfusTrig’s MinocquaYMCA of the Northwoods

VolunteersBob & Louise WrightCarol WardenDean HallDean MarinDeb Monson

Dick & Leslie GuelcherEllen KasperHoward HonigJeannine BoltonKarin LarsenKatie & Bryon BlackLinda BallmannLUHS studentsMark WestphalRae GrosmannSue BildaTom & Karen GabertTom Nimsgern

ANIMAL CARE SUPPLIES

Garbage bags (13 gal and 55 gal)Pine shavingsVet wrap (brown and green preferred)Rescue® Disinfectant (concentrate)Distilled waterFeather dustersBath towelsFolding mesh laundry basketsKitchen scissorsFleece blankets

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS

Band-Aids - all sizes Zip ties - all sizesLeather work gloves (size M, L, XL)Welding gloves (size M, L, XL)Latex gloves – powder free (size M, L)

Under normal circumstances this is our wish list. However we want everyone to practice Safer At Home at this time. Please consider a monetary donation and we will procure these items as needed.

Nets (small and musky-net sizes)Kiddie pools Scotch® tape

LARGER ITEMS

Twin mattresses for intern housing15” digital photo album

ANIMAL FOOD SUPPLIES

Fresh apples, carrots, greens, berries, celeryRaw eggsLive minnowsCanned dog or cat food (non-expired)Timothy hayRabbit food pelletsReptomin® turtle foodMeat-based baby food (non-expired)

Unsalted nuts of any kind (acorns, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts) Live earthworms, mealworms, crickets, waxwormsMultigrain cereal Freeze-dried mealworms Rolled oats/quick oats

GENERAL ITEMS

Toilet paperPaper towelsHand sanitizerClear hand soap refillsCopy paperStamps (any value)Lysol® or Chlorox® disinfecting wipesBleach cleaning productsHeavy duty scrub brushes

Epoxy glue Deep Woods OFF®

Top Performance® Fresh Scent mop soap

GIFT CARDS/CERTIFICATES

Ace/Pukall Lumber & Hardware/ Home Depot/MenardsAny gas cardsAmazonTrigs/Save MoreMastercard/VisaWalmart

CONTRIBUTE TO OUR LIVE MINNOW ACCOUNT

Kurt’s Bait ShopCounty Line Station

Wish list

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It’s heartbreaking to see a bird as powerful as a bald eagle in such a sorry state. This eagle was showing classic symptoms of lead poisoning, such as dehydration, muscle weakness, and seizures, and we had to tube-feed her several times a day just to help her keep her strength up.

Approximately 90% of all bald eagles have tested positive for elevated amounts of lead in their bodies, and out of all eagles that have died in the past 30 years, 25% of them have been found to be because of poisoning, typically from lead. Because of this issue, the use of lead ammunition in waterfowl hunting was banned in 1986, since waterfowl are a common prey species for eagles. However, after the ban, the presence of lead in eagles was still found to be high, which meant that the lead poisoning was also coming from other types of meat in the eagles’ diet as well. Lead bullets are still legal for deer hunting, as well as in sinkers used in fishing, and are often chosen still today due to somewhat cheaper costs, or the comfort of using something familiar.

Unfortunately, our eagle was too weak from the high levels of lead in her system to survive the first round of treatment.

name. We also did not know the gender, but based on the bird’s weight we assumed it to be a male. Steve was here at the center for an extended period of time where he slowly started to warm up to people.

Earlier this year Steve was finally in a place where he could serve a greater purpose, so the search was on to find him the perfect fit. After contacting several facilities to see if they were interested in Steve, we got an interested reply from the Chahinkapa Zoo in Wahpeton, ND. They were looking for a turkey vulture to fill an empty enclosure as well as to possibly be used in their educational programming as a glove-trained bird. We were unsure if he would take to the training as we had never asked it of him before, but they were willing to give it a try. So we went forward with the placement and Steve was off on a new adventure.

Some time went by before we received any updates on how Steve was doing. When we finally got an update we were all pleasantly surprised. It turns out that

Although treatment does exist for lead poisoning, it is an expensive drug and a difficult experience for the bird to endure. The best thing we can do to reduce the risk for lead poisoning in these beautiful birds is to choose lead-free hunting alternatives, or at least remove all parts of the deer and dispose of it where eagles can’t scavenge on it. Hopefully, through the help of both hunters and wildlife rehabilitators, bald eagles can someday live lives free of lead contamination once again!

Steve was made for a life educating others about the wonderful world of vultures and the important role they play in our natural environment. He took to the glove training very well and was already out doing programs! He even got to be on the news for International Vulture Awareness Day. We could not be happier with the wonderful job he is doing educating the public about the importance of the natural world around us. We are very thankful that the staff at the Chahinkapa Zoo were willing to give Steve a chance and provide him with environment he needed to succeed. Not all of our patient cases are success stories, but this case makes it all the more rewarding.

One night this fall, around the time we were eating dinner, Northwoods Wildlife Center received a call about a bald eagle that was lying on the ground next to a lake. The fisherman who called her in had seen her from his boat, and wondered if we would be able to rescue her. After loading up the truck, driving several miles through winding back roads, and getting lost a few times, we finally made it to the small lake just as the sun dipped below the horizon. We found her on the shore of the lake, and even though she protested as I picked her up, she was too weak to resist. She didn’t even have enough energy to even hold her head up.

With the many different wildlife patients we receive every year here at the Northwoods Wildlife Center, many are able to return to the wild as they are meant to be. Unfortunately, that is not the case for them all. Some patients are admitted in extremely poor condition, and the best thing we can do is provide them a humane release from life. For others, they may have sustained injuries that prevent them from surviving in the wild. The animals that are non-releasable we generally have limited options for them due to their wild nature. For the animals that have the right temperament, ailments that don’t compromise quality of life, and do not mind a life in captivity are able to seek permanent placement.

A wonderful example of an animal we were able to place was an adult turkey vulture who sustained an injury to his right elbow that caused the joint to fuse, preventing the bird from sustaining proper flight. We affectionately started to refer to the turkey vulture as Steve after one of our interns decided it would be the perfect

Bald eagle upon admission with suspected lead poisoning.

Steve with his new team at Chahinkapa Zoo.

Lead Poisoning in EaglesBy Jenna Atma, Fall 2019 Intern

A New Home and Purpose

Jenna transfers eagle to treatment room.

Resident Sponsorships (September 2018-November 1st, 2019)

Aqua the Common Snapping TurtleSusan Bilda in honor of Emma Leider-BildaBrandon Chamberlain in honor of Don ChamberlainSara Muender in honor of Brinae GradyGwenn Nyhagen in honor of Quinn Bahnson

BB the Painted TurtleSara Muender in honor of Kylie GradyMelissa Phillips

Bob the American KestrelLaura Fuhrman in honor of Sam FuhrmanSara Muender in honor of Kevin & Kim GradyLillian PastreSherry RytherRosemary SeibelFrances Torres

Bull the Three-toed Box TurtleSara Muender in honor of Noah Grady

Candy the Corn SnakeLinda Brunner in honor of Chloe & Isabelle SchneiderSara Muender in honor of Noah Grady

Gemma the Northern GoshawkMacy BlanchardTionna ElkinsThe Jacobsen FamilyShane MartAidan MooreSara Muender in honor of Brinae GradyEmily PowellStan SlaterZack Spodek

Hank the American KestrelTahira Juiris in honor of Aaron JuirisSara Muender in honor of Kylie GradyMariane White in honor of Hank Vandenack

Hanna the Bald EagleRenee GrecoJeanne Haverty in honor of Grant VerchauterenGlenda HolmSara Muender in honor of Noah GradySean PergamsThe Prochot FamilyLiz QuandtSteiner Family in honor of Carol Steiner

Deb Wehrmann & Dawn Duellman-Arndt in memory of Edward & Doris Duellman

Hook the Painted TurtleSara Muender in honor of Brinae GradyKen PoboSherry RytherVern & Effie Weiss

Hortense the Turkey VultureLuke & Joe DavignonBella HampSara Muender in honor of Brinae GradyKen PoboAlex SchwanderStan Slater

Hubertus the Florida Softshell TurtleJeanne Haverty in honor of Grant VerchauterenSara Muender in honor of Noah GradyMargaret & John Winn in honor of Anna Bella Winn & Brayden Gaalke

Loki the Great Horned OwlLuke & Joe DavignonJoreen JahsmannLydia O’BrienThe Prochot FamilyTyler Winters

Mini the Common Snapping TurtleSara Muender in honor of Brinae GradyGwenn Nyhagen in honor of Avery BahnsonPaul & Dawn Pirkel

Pandora the Three-toed Box TurtleSara Muender in honor of Brinae Grady

Percy the Eastern Screech OwlLuke & Joe DavignonAmanda Fazzini in honor of Mike & Ruth Ann GangLaura Fuhrman in honor of Sam FuhrmanEva GlaserJoreen JahsmannTahira Juiris in honor of Aayan JuirisMisty & Garrett LuplowSara Muender in honor of Kylie GradyKen PoboThe Prochot FamilyHayley SchnaeAnnie Scully in memory of Charlotte SchmelzerRick & Gayle Steiner in honor of Carol SteinerPenny Weikel-Rossetto in honor of Kira RossettoEffie Weiss

Race the Red-tailed HawkCheryl AgnewSara Muender in honor of Noah Grady

Rory the Broad-winged Hawk (passed away August 2019)John & Dee Dee Lund in honor of Leo & Hugo StromdahlStan McMurrySara Muender in honor of Kylie GradyAaron Surfus-Hochhaus

Sancho the Gray Rat SnakeSara Muender in honor of Noah Grady

Sierra the Red-tailed HawkThe Crolynzniak FamilyThe Jacobsen FamilySara Muender in honor of Kylie GradyThe Riches Family

Smaug the Painted TurtleSara Muender in honor of Kylie GradyOtto Pastre

Speedy the Three-toed Box TurtleSara Muender in honor of Kyle GradyChar Nemec

Tommi the Red-tailed HawkJenna AtmaTaylor EnlowSara Muender in honor of Brinae GradyThe Parker FamilyThe Prochot FamilySherry RytherKatrina TheisenLauren Zager

Willow the Barred OwlRichard BennettRade CvetkovichLuke & Joe DavignonBrittney GrahamRenee GrecoGlenda HolmThe Jacobsen FamilyJoreen JahsmannSara Muender in honor of Noah GradyKen PoboSherry RytherRobert & Louise Wright

Woody the Wood TurtleThe Lensert FamilyAndrew MarinoSara Muender in honor of Kevin & Kim GradyThe Prochot Family

The Northwoods Wildlife Center Resident Sponsorship Program is a way for supporters to ensure that our educational ambassadors have the very best habitats and care possible. Our resident animals are the hardest working critters in the Northwoods; they are here to educate thousands of visitors at the Center and participate in over 200 programs throughout Northwoods communities about wildlife conservation and environmental education. How to become a sponsor: When you become a Resident Sponsor, you help provide food, veterinary care, enrichment, and a healthy home for your chosen animal. Call the Center to get started, or sponsor one as a gift for someone else who loves wildlife.

Bob American Kestrel

Willow Barred Owl

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Resident Sponsorships

Woody Wood Turtle

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In Memory of family & friends

Dorothy I. ArnoldDennis Arnold

Bill BechererRoberta Massari

Mrs. Norb BergMichael Griffiths

Norma BerglandBlue Lake Preservation Assn.

Daniel BirdBarbara Bird

James BollwinkleChristine Bollwinkle

Richard BoykinsKenneth Boykins

Diane ChartLisa TenhagenJacqueline & Robert Riggs

Ann CraigDaina Alley

F. Jean CramerDonald Alwin

Maggie DaffinsonMichael Daffinson

Edward & Doris DuellmanDawn Duellman-ArndtDeb Wehrman

Barbara FallerJim Faller

Dr. Rory FosterRink Family

John FriedBlue Lake Preservation Assn.

Dorothy Gould TuckerAnn MillarCharles Wiebe

Harold Jahsmann, Jr.Julie & Dennis BreitrickCurtis & Joann CharboneauJerry & Cheri ClarkowskiMelissa CongletonPat & Al DrescherTrenny FrahmThomas & Carol GelwicksSkip & Fran GrobelnyHoward & Judy HonigTom & Leigh HubbardMaryann S. KageVicki & Gary KarnerJanet LemmerBecky & Brain MarekJennifer McKerveyJohn & Stacy MoracheJohn & Sharon ObermannJay & Patti ObeyTammy ReesDana V. RogersCarol A. SteinerRobert & Patricia TorneyLon & Diane Waldinger

Dave JonesiMichael & Dayla Horowitz

Keith JusticeSteven AndersonJohn DoughertyJustice Family Revocable TrustMarcia KnocheJames & Nancy Young

Lyle N. Koerner Sr.Patricia Koerner

Rita KotarbaCathlynn Swanson

Clifford KotlarekElaine Kotlarek

Shirley KraussButch & Peggy Legler

Walter & Shirley KraussIvan & Peggy Legler

Audrae KulasPaul Kulas

Delores LamoreauxLee Lamoreaux

Frank LearFred Bartkowski

Tonya LeglerButch & Peggy LeglerIvan & Peggy Legler

Don LuepkeBlue Lake Preservation Assn.

Dick MayfieldCatherine Wilson

Jeanne McJoyntEdith DobrinskiFrederick & Nancy Forrer

Howard MerkleinCatherine Wilson

Diane NeavinsKathleen & Brian Carroll Sharlynn DaunJeannette & Joseph GiorgioMichael MalteseDr. Tara NeavinsBrian Pack

Robert PanoshGerald & Donna Panosh

Kent PetersenRichard & Pat BechtelKaren & Tom Gabert

Ronald PiojdaAnne & Dean Stefanczyk

Carol PlourdMark Senoraske Revocable Trust

Russ RabjohnsRichard & Pat BechtelSusan Kern

Alan RamthunDawn Petty

Tom & Olive RominskeJohn Sperlongo

Phyllis SchillerGary Schiller

Janice SchneiderSusan SchneiderMaurice VandenBurg

Mark SimonJeanne Haverly

Barbara ThomeBarbara Murray

Karen WagnerBlue Lake Preservation Assn.

Audrey WaldoJoan White

James WarwickMargaret & Steve Haag

Helen WilsonCatherine Wilson

The memory of each person whose name is in bold has been honored by the friends and family who graciously continue the legacy of a cherished one who has enriched their lives.

(left to right) Barred owl was admitted in summer of 2019 after being hit by a car. Released in fall of 2019. Intern Katrina Thiesen releases a bald eagle that had been struck by a car and was rescued by the Oneida County Highway Department. Spring baby orphaned raccoon plays peek-a-boo at his release in the fall.

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In Memory of Loyal Animal Companions

Animal companions give so much to those who love them when they are here. They will continue to give through contributions made in their memory.

Bolt by Richard Bechtel

Bootsie by Waverly Woods Charitable Foundation

Buck by H.E. Dionne

Dolly Ditto by Myrna Mesecher

Harley by Shelley Green

Honorariums

Dr. George & Velta AnastAl & Sharon HaubnerGeri Miller & Howard EllisLeslie RoeKatie & Guy Roe

Norb BergMichael Griffiths

Cindy & Joel BourRichard & Leslie Guelcher

Hanna CahoonKim Cahoon

David DerkBeverly & Leon Katzen

JoAnn DobberfuhlJudith Doren

Income $280,203 Expenses $296,918

Janis EellsLeah Nemetz

Brian EgglebrechtGregg & Carrie Lindner

Sybil FergusonRobin Raymond

Brian FriedJohn & Karen Ippen

Laura FuhrmanCatherine Roe

Gross FamilySmith Family

Zellianna HadyBruce & Monica Hady

Carol HeitmanChristina Heitman

David JonesiGermaine Jonesi

Sondra KatzenBeverly & Leon Katzen

Lori’s Flower CottageNorthwoods Women’s Club

Bob MetropolisGeorge & Mary Jo Haven

Katie RoeDr. George & Velta AnastRick & Nancy Fossen

Linda SenkeviciusBarbara Brott

Owen & Oliver StaffordKarla Stafford

Carol SteinerWilliam HolzbachCheryl & Terry NelsonCindy SteinerRandy & Jayne SteinerRay & Karen SteinerRick & Gayle Steiner

Lanny StuddardBill & Joanie Green

Lynn ThusiusGregg & Carrie Lindner

By the Numbers 2019

Education 817 Tours 4,099 Visitors to the Center 166 Educational programs delivered 5,881 attendees

Volunteer Hours 1,218 Hours

Wildlife Rehabilitation 569 Total Animals Admitted 275 Mammals 231 Birds (including raptors) 63 Reptiles 937 Animal-related phone calls

Contributions35%

Fund raisers13%

Large Gifts 5%

Membership12%

Planned Giving

18%

Education Programs/Tours

12%

Misc. Income2%

Business Partnership Gifts

1%

Grants2%

Five salaried employees -

Wages & Taxes60%

Fund Raising/Marketing/PR 5%

INsurance -Liability Volunteer

3%

Facilities & Utilities8%

Animal Care - Food, Caging,Medicine, Supplies

8%

15Interns

5%

Administration5%

Education2%

Taxes, Benefits, Continuing Education

4%

Northwoods Wildlife Center8683 S. Blumenstein RoadMinocqua, WI 54548

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HOW CAN YOU HELP?

We do not receive any government funding. Our wildlife patients and residents rely solely on your donations! There are many ways to help!

• Make a donation using the enclosed envelope.

• Donate online northwoodswildlifecenter.org

• Become a sustaining monthly member. Please call NWC for details.

• Amazon Smile. Select Northwoods Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Center and a percentage of your purchase will be donated to us on your behalf.

• Volunteer your time. We have a need for volunteers with various skills.

• Sponsor a resident animal. Call NWC or check our website for details.

• Sponsor a classroom. Call NWC on programs you can sponsor for area schools.

• Consider a gift from your estate. There are many options for planned giving.

Night for Wildlife

September 17, 2020 5:30 – 8 PM Whitetail Inn

St. Germain, WI

Dates and times are subject to change. More events will be added, so please visit our website, Facebook page, or

call us at 715-356-7400 for the most up-to-date information.

Save the date

Please consider making a donation in Please consider making a donation in the enclosed envelope or by PayPal.the enclosed envelope or by PayPal.

Visit northwoodswildlifecenter.org and click the Donate button. 715-356-7400