Nurturing Community – Winged Freedom Raptor Hospital
Winged Freedom Raptor Hospital
There is a very good reason Dr. Kim Ammann’s veterinary school classmates dubbed her the “Bird Nerd!” She has seen a career long love of pet birds and wild birds culminate in establishing a one-of-a-kind veterinary hospital for wild raptors. Dr. Bird Nerd is living her dream after retiring from general veterinary practice. She enlisted the help of family and friends to fundraise for this important project. Now there is a custom designed hospital uniquely accommodating the needs of injured eagles, owls and hawks. The hospital is located in Spooner, WI, and has established a reputation worthy of referring raptors from 16 surrounding counties.
Winged Freedom Raptor Hospital (WFRH) only treats raptors. By specializing in one group of birds they are able to provide an excellent level of care from the first exam to the final exercise program. This optimizes the number of birds that successfully recover from injuries and illnesses. Last year over 200 birds were admitted to the hospital, most between May and September, when raptors seek out this rural area rich in forests and lakes to raise their babies.
WFRH is entirely funded by donations. Donors are assured that their generosity is directly helping to care for the birds. Their largest expenses are medications, insurance, and frozen food, like rodents. Without any available governmental or other for wildlife rehabilitation funding, WFRH cares for over 75 Bald Eagles, our national bird, each year. Fundraising is vitally important to continued success.
Maintaining a 100% volunteer staff assures that donations are not used for salaries or benefits. Dr. Kim donates all of her time and skills to oversee the day-to-day operations of the hospital. She coordinates with hospital volunteers who help prepare meals for the birds, clean enclosures, restrain birds as needed, and generally keep the hospital clean and organized. The volunteers relate stories of how their experiences with the birds have changed them and made them more aware of the pressures wild animals face. Volunteers show up for their shifts eager to hear how each patient is doing and to get updates on new admissions.
WFRH gratefully accepts donations of whole fish, used towels and flat sheets. They are always in need of laundry soap and bleach, paper towels, and dish soap. They have numerous individuals who regularly drop off frozen fish and supplies. WFRH maintains a wish list on Amazon.com with items that can be purchased by individuals to ship directly to the hospital. These items show up randomly and always bring smiles to the faces of the staff. It’s like receiving a hug from a supporter.
“Seeing a Bald Eagle admitted with broken bones and infections recover, regain strength, and flap away to freedom is a satisfaction rooted deep in my spirit,” says Dr. Kim. She and her team do it because it matters. To that bird, it means everything to be released to soar the winds again. A Bird Nerd and her team are making a difference, one bird at a time.
If you would like to make a monetary donation, visit their website www.wingedfreedomrh.com, send via Paypal, or by mail to PO Box 493, Spooner, WI 54801. Follow WFRH on Facebook to know when public releases of Bald Eagles are scheduled and to see updates on the patients in care. To schedule a donation drop off or to get help with an injured raptor call Dr. Kim 715 781-2595.