It's hard to believe that Flint Creek Wildlife has been operating for almost 5 years. In that time, we accomplished much - yet there is still so much more work ahead and so many more animals that need our help!

We are now the largest privately funded wildlife rehabilitation center in the Chicago area. We operate three locations (Barrington, Chicago and our newest location in Itasca) and expect to treat more than 2,800 animals this year alone. We're a long way from our first year in 2004 when we treated 135 animals (and I thought we were super busy).

Thanks to a dedicated and talented group of volunteers, by the end of 2008 we will have helped over 8,600 animals since our inception less than five years prior. In addition to treating injured and orphaned wildlife, we have a group of committed volunteers that go out each morning during spring and fall migration to rescue birds that have collided with windows. Those birds are quickly transported to our downtown Northerly Island bird hospital for treatment. Being able to efficiently and adeptly triage birds for this time-sensitive injury resulted in an astounding 90% survival rate in 2007.

We also have an amazing group of 19 non-releasable birds of prey that help us teach children and adults about the perils faced by wildlife while instilling respect for these magnificent creatures. We intend to expand our educational outreach in 2009.

In the end, the animals that depend on us are the best expression of the importance of our work. Take Old Red, for example, a non-releasable Red-tailed Hawk who almost lost her home of 16 years due to budget cuts, but was able to remain at home because Flint Creek Wildlife privatized the program by partnering with the Village of Itasca. Or look at our blog story Love of a Lifetime about a Red-tailed Hawk that almost died from blood loss, but whose will to live ultimately resulted not only in his survival but also in being reunited with his mate.

Our work is dependent on your support. No amount you can give is too small.

I thank you, our volunteers thank you, and the animals thank you.

Dawn

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!