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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →What happens when a wild animal is injured, orphaned, or displaced and can’t survive on their own? At Wild Friends, a wildlife rehabilitation and education program at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in southern Utah, the aim is to provide care and a suitable place to recover so the animal can return to the wild when possible.
In a September 17, 2025 feature, Best Friends Animal Society CEO Julie Castle described Wild Friends as a state and federally licensed wildlife rehabilitation center and education program. The organization says the program treats hundreds of animals each year; it does not give a precise annual total.
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How wildlife rehabilitation at Wild Friends works
Rehabilitation is temporary care for wildlife with the goal of release when an animal has recovered enough to survive in the wild. The needs and recovery process differ by animal; the examples below describe the feature’s account, not a universal treatment plan.
From medical care to release
Castle describes a peregrine falcon whose recovery included restricted movement, medication, and imaging. As the bird progressed, it moved from an outdoor aviary to a larger flight enclosure before release. The staged transition gave the falcon opportunities to regain its abilities before returning to the wild.
#1 Best Overall
- A plush penguin that encourages empathy and imagination. With intake forms and tools included, you can help rescue this penguin by removing the fishing net so she can be returned to the wild.
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When release is not possible
Some animals cannot safely fend for themselves after rehabilitation. The feature describes Archie, a great horned owl whose flight noise would interfere with hunting. Rather than release an animal that could not reliably survive, Wild Friends may place animals in its education program as ambassadors.
Rehabilitation and education are different roles
An animal receiving rehabilitation is being cared for with release as the goal. An ambassador is an animal that cannot safely return to the wild and participates in education instead. Permanent ambassador placement is not a visitor’s choice or an alternative service for wildlife that might otherwise be released.
Rank #2
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Best Friends’ sanctuary also includes domestic and exotic residents, which are distinct from the wildlife rehabilitation caseload. Its organizational history describes separate Wild Friends and Parrot Garden areas. The sanctuary overview says visitors can book activities and tours, but does not establish current Wild Friends-specific dates or availability.
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Best Friends’ practical guidance is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Do not try to handle, feed, medicate, or rehabilitate the animal yourself. A licensed professional can advise on the appropriate next step.
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Ways to reduce preventable harm
- Plan pruning before nesting season. Trimming trees and shrubs ahead of nesting season can help avoid disturbing young animals.
- Make windows more visible to birds. Window decals or bird-safe tape can help prevent fatal collisions.
These prevention steps do not guarantee that wildlife will avoid every hazard, but they address two risks highlighted in Castle’s feature.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Wild Friends’ place in Best Friends’ history
Best Friends’ history traces its wildlife work to co-founder Sharon St. Joan, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who cared for domestic birds while treating injured wild birds. The organization later established a state and federally licensed wildlife rehabilitation center; it now distinguishes the Wild Friends program from Parrot Garden.
Rank #4
- A plush axolotl that encourages empathy and imagination. With intake forms and tools included, you can help rescue this axolotl by removing the pop top from her paw so she can be returned to the wild.
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Castle’s feature closes on a broader principle: “Compassion is not selective.” In the context of Wild Friends, that means caring for wildlife while respecting the difference between helping an animal return to its natural life and protecting one that cannot safely do so.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- A plush green sea turtle that encourages empathy and imagination. With intake forms and tools included, you can help rescue this turtle by removing the six pack ring he has stuck on him so he can be returned to the wild.
- Teaches the need to keep the oceans and water ways clean of debris and encourages lessons on properly disposing waste.
- This turtle is a great gift for young conservationists, turtle fans, excellent for birthday gifts, holiday gifts, and more.
- Toy Safety: Exceeds the requirements set by CPSIA (USA), and EN71 (EU) for safety standards and specifications.
- Wild Republic is the global leader in designing and manufacturing realistic and whimsical plush and toys for kids of all ages since 1979. The company was founded on the principle of fostering the curiosity of wildlife and the wonders fo nature.
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