Resident Animals

While it is our goal for all animals to be released back into the wild to be “free again”, in some cases (due to an injury, or unique situation) this isn’t possible. In those instances, we do everything in our power to provide long term residents with a good life, healthy food, space to stretch, run and fly, and enrichment activities.

  • Vixen

    Vixen is one of the sweetest animals we have had in our care. She came to us with a broken leg, after she escaped from a domestic situation and was struck by a car. She has been with us for 3 years.

  • Barred Owls (in need of names!)

    We have two beautiful resident barred owls, who are both permanent residents after being hit by cars. While neither can fly, we are in the process of building them a larger flight cage so they have more room to stretch their feathers.

  • Chinook

    Chinook is a small cat with a big personality, and a big appetite. She has been fostered at Free Again the last two years. Her owner had her fully declawed, and she is used for educational programming.

  • Bald Eagles (in need of names!)

    These two beautiful birds make quite the pair. They came to Free Again separately with broken wings; one was hit by a car, and the other one came in with a gunshot injury.

  • Sirius

    You aren’t seeing double. We do indeed have a second silver fox. Though not as cuddly as Vixen, our second resident fox, Sirius, is a handsome fellow. He loves playing with new enrichment items, and taking long naps.

  • Rex

    Found in a mailbox as a half-grown fluffy ball Rex is the “package you don’t expect”. He grew into an intelligent vulture, and at 25 years old, he is our oldest educational bird. He loves getting out to Vulture Fest, and showing off for kids in the community.

  • Screech

    This palm-sized screech owl is blind in one eye, and unable to hunt on her own (a common injury, and one that makes birds ineligible for release).

  • Frankie

    Our Red tailed hawk Frankie is missing the end of his wing, following a car accident. He has been with us over 8 years.

  • Hoot

    Like most Great horned owl, our current educational bird is Intelligent, alert and a bit mischievous.

These are just some of our current resident animals. Be sure to follow us on facebook to follow the news on new short term additions, as well as opportunities for naming some of our long-term residents.

Sponsor a Resident Animal

Your sponsorship of one of our resident educational animals helps us to inspire people to love and protect nature. Your support will help provide:

  • Food for your animal for one year

  • Health care (annual check-ups and emergency)

  • Transportation to education events across Southern Illinois

  • Habitat Enhancement (cage cleaning, new perches)

  • Animal accessories (jesses, gloves, tools)

  • Enrichment items