Western Plains Animal Refuge
Every Life Matters
Every Life Matters
Success Stories
Wildlife Projects
At any given
time, Western Plains Animal Refuge is working with several wild animals
with the goal of returning them to the wild or transferring them to
specialty refuges where they can happily live out their days.
Dr. Braun is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and donates her time and supplies to Western Plains Animal Refuge to help the orphaned and injured wildlife in Ellis and surrounding counties.
Why are these rescues important? Find out HERE.
Here are some of those animals:
Cooper Hawk
This Cooper Hawk flew into a large business window. He has a broken infected wing and is currently being rehabilitated. He will be using one of the new flight pens to help with his recovery.
Turkey Vulture
A young, injured turkey vulture was brought in to Western Plains Animal Refuge in August of '09. He will recover and learn to fly in one of our flight pens. We see quite a few of these each year. It's always wonderful to see them released back into the wild.
Baby Doves
These little guys are hard to see, but they're very young baby doves. They were brought in to our refuge, and appear to have been orphaned. Chances are, though, that mama could have been nearby.
Mississippi Kite
A young Mississippi kite was brought in by Animal Control after she was found in someone's yard. Turned out that she was just misunderstood!
Read her story here.
Hope the Bobcat
Hope was our first bobcat to ever come through our doors. She was placed in a nature center in 2007, and we visited her recently.
See her story here.
Coyote
A young coyote was very sick when she was brought to us. We gave her medical care, provided shelter in our wildlife pen, and nursed her to health. See her story here.
Bull Snake
A bull snake was injured, probably in an altercation with another animal, and made its way to the Fort Hays State University campus. Someone there took the time to notify us, and the snake was brought here for rehabilitation.
Baby Raccoons
Our oldest baby raccoons are learning how to be grown-up raccoons! They will be ready for release soon!
UPDATE!
Our raccoons have been released! Check out their story HERE!
Baby Fox
This four-month-old fox was brought in with head trauma. He was given a safe place, food and time to heal, and was released back into the wild.
Baby Coyote
A baby coyote was brought in after someone's dog found her. She was covered in fleas and ticks, was dehydrated, malnourished, hypothermic and has a skin infection. We're nursing her back to health. Visit our blog for more!
Wood Duck
This orphaned wood duck came in on May 28. He'll be fed and cared for, and he'll hang out with some other waddling friends, until he's old enough to be released.
Baby Fawn
This pretty little girl came in May 26 after her mother was hit by a car and killed. She will remain with us for two to three months until she is weaned and can take care of herself.
UPDATE!
A week after she came in, our baby fawn is doing well! She is getting stronger and eating well!
Baby Opossums
Eight baby opossums come in May 19. Their mother was hit by a car and killed. They are about 70 days old and will require feeding every 3 hours for the 2-3 weeks and will be weaned completely by about 100 days.
Baby Rabbits
These little guys were brought in after being orphaned. They have done well and will be released next week!
Great Horned Owl
Our latest great horned owl was found on the highway. He has no evidence of injuries, but is not wanting to fly. He probably has some head trauma, but he is eating wonderfully, and will remain in our aviary pen until he is rehabilitated.
Baby Grackle
This baby grackle came in May 7. He'll be here about 4-6 weeks before flying off to be a big bird!
Duck
An unlucky duck was brought to us with an infection in her wrist joint. She is on antibiotics and is safe and well-fed, but she is very thin and in poor shape.
Baby Squirrels
This baby squirrel and his nest mates are being kept warm in an incubator after they fell from a tree and were injured. They are responding well to treatment and will be returned to the wild soon.
Baby Horned Owl
One of our rehabilitated owls made a nest in a tree in our pasture, and high winds blew the nest down earlier this month. This little guy landed in tall grass, and we're keeping an eye on him to make sure he does well. His mother is taking good care of him.
Baby Wild Turkeys
Their nest was accidentally run over by a tractor. 15 eggs survived, and of those, 12 hatched. They are doing well and will be released near their original nest when they are old enough to survive outside.
Turkey Vulture
This turkey vulture was found in a dumpster in Goodland, Kansas. He had an eye infection and sinus infection. After antibiotics and nourishment, he was released.
Grebe
This little guy is one of our favorite success stories. He made the mistake of landing on a street during migration! Fortunately, he wasn't hurt. The Refuge has a pool, which came in handy, because Grebes can only take off in water!
Whiskered Screech Owl
This little owl was found near a tree. He suffered some sort of head trauma, but with supportive care he recovered and was released.
Baby Skunk
Skunks can be a nuisance, but they are an important part of the ecosystem. This baby skunk was found alone in a back yard and was brought in by Animal Control. He was very dehydrated and cold and required special medical attention. If he makes it, he will eventually be released.
Dr. Braun is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and donates her time and supplies to Western Plains Animal Refuge to help the orphaned and injured wildlife in Ellis and surrounding counties.
Why are these rescues important? Find out HERE.
Here are some of those animals:
Cooper Hawk
This Cooper Hawk flew into a large business window. He has a broken infected wing and is currently being rehabilitated. He will be using one of the new flight pens to help with his recovery.
Turkey Vulture
A young, injured turkey vulture was brought in to Western Plains Animal Refuge in August of '09. He will recover and learn to fly in one of our flight pens. We see quite a few of these each year. It's always wonderful to see them released back into the wild.
Baby Doves
These little guys are hard to see, but they're very young baby doves. They were brought in to our refuge, and appear to have been orphaned. Chances are, though, that mama could have been nearby.
Mississippi Kite
A young Mississippi kite was brought in by Animal Control after she was found in someone's yard. Turned out that she was just misunderstood!
Read her story here.
Hope the Bobcat
Hope was our first bobcat to ever come through our doors. She was placed in a nature center in 2007, and we visited her recently.
See her story here.
Coyote
A young coyote was very sick when she was brought to us. We gave her medical care, provided shelter in our wildlife pen, and nursed her to health. See her story here.
Bull Snake
A bull snake was injured, probably in an altercation with another animal, and made its way to the Fort Hays State University campus. Someone there took the time to notify us, and the snake was brought here for rehabilitation.
Baby Raccoons
Our oldest baby raccoons are learning how to be grown-up raccoons! They will be ready for release soon!
UPDATE!
Our raccoons have been released! Check out their story HERE!
Baby Fox
This four-month-old fox was brought in with head trauma. He was given a safe place, food and time to heal, and was released back into the wild.
Baby Coyote
A baby coyote was brought in after someone's dog found her. She was covered in fleas and ticks, was dehydrated, malnourished, hypothermic and has a skin infection. We're nursing her back to health. Visit our blog for more!
Wood Duck
This orphaned wood duck came in on May 28. He'll be fed and cared for, and he'll hang out with some other waddling friends, until he's old enough to be released.
Baby Fawn
This pretty little girl came in May 26 after her mother was hit by a car and killed. She will remain with us for two to three months until she is weaned and can take care of herself.
UPDATE!
A week after she came in, our baby fawn is doing well! She is getting stronger and eating well!
Baby Opossums
Eight baby opossums come in May 19. Their mother was hit by a car and killed. They are about 70 days old and will require feeding every 3 hours for the 2-3 weeks and will be weaned completely by about 100 days.
Baby Rabbits
These little guys were brought in after being orphaned. They have done well and will be released next week!
Great Horned Owl
Our latest great horned owl was found on the highway. He has no evidence of injuries, but is not wanting to fly. He probably has some head trauma, but he is eating wonderfully, and will remain in our aviary pen until he is rehabilitated.
Baby Grackle
This baby grackle came in May 7. He'll be here about 4-6 weeks before flying off to be a big bird!
Duck
An unlucky duck was brought to us with an infection in her wrist joint. She is on antibiotics and is safe and well-fed, but she is very thin and in poor shape.
Baby Squirrels
This baby squirrel and his nest mates are being kept warm in an incubator after they fell from a tree and were injured. They are responding well to treatment and will be returned to the wild soon.
Baby Horned Owl
One of our rehabilitated owls made a nest in a tree in our pasture, and high winds blew the nest down earlier this month. This little guy landed in tall grass, and we're keeping an eye on him to make sure he does well. His mother is taking good care of him.
Baby Wild Turkeys
Their nest was accidentally run over by a tractor. 15 eggs survived, and of those, 12 hatched. They are doing well and will be released near their original nest when they are old enough to survive outside.
Turkey Vulture
This turkey vulture was found in a dumpster in Goodland, Kansas. He had an eye infection and sinus infection. After antibiotics and nourishment, he was released.
Grebe
This little guy is one of our favorite success stories. He made the mistake of landing on a street during migration! Fortunately, he wasn't hurt. The Refuge has a pool, which came in handy, because Grebes can only take off in water!
Whiskered Screech Owl
This little owl was found near a tree. He suffered some sort of head trauma, but with supportive care he recovered and was released.
Baby Skunk
Skunks can be a nuisance, but they are an important part of the ecosystem. This baby skunk was found alone in a back yard and was brought in by Animal Control. He was very dehydrated and cold and required special medical attention. If he makes it, he will eventually be released.
25% of every purchase you make goes to Western Plains Animal Refuge!
Wildlife Projects
Barn Swallow
An injured barn swallow was found on the ground in Otis, Kansas. A worker at Sternberg Museum found it and gave it to one of our volunteer rehabilitators. Once its wing is healed, we'll hopefully be able to release it so it can live out the rest of its life!
Baby Doves
These little doves are quite a pair! They were found together after their tree was cut down. They are too little to fend for themselves, and mama left the area, so we'll nurture them until they are old enough to find homes of their own!
Baby Rabbits
Six baby bunnies were brought to us in August. They are so cute, but we will minimize contact so that they will remain wild and able to fend for themselves when they're old enough to be released.
Whitetail Fawn
This little girl was orphaned or abandoned. She joins three other fawns about the same age. All four are growing strong in our new deer pen.
Whitetail Fawn
Whitetails are among the most beautiful deer. This fawn was abandoned or orphaned, and will need shelter and food that its mother would normally provide. It joins three other fawns about the same age in our new deer pen. Check it out HERE!
UPDATE:
All four deer have been released! Check out their story HERE!
Baby Cottontail
Our newest baby cottontail was orphaned, but just because you find one alone doesn't mean its mother isn't close. Click HERE to find out what to do if you find a baby rabbit.
Baby Screech Owl
Our latest baby screech owl fell out of its nest and didn't have a safe place to stay on the ground. We'll feed him until he's old enough to hunt and fly, and he'll be released. He'll be able to use our new flight pen! Check it out!
Baby Grackle
It seems we get a few of these little guys each year. This orphaned baby grackle is eating well, and he'll be ready to fly in just a few weeks.
Box Turtle
Another injured box turtle was brought to us after he was hit by a car. His shell will be repaired so that he can live out his long life! Box turtles live up to 100 years in the wild!
Baby Barn Owl
This funny little guy was brought to us after someone noticed he was having difficulty moving. His leg had broken at some point and had not healed properly. He will stay with us and heal, and will most likely be the star of an educational program.
Squirrel
This unfortunate little guy was fighting with a cat and lost. Someone brought him in and he is in recovery. His injuries have been treated and he will be given antibiotics so that he can heal and be released.
Great Horned Owl
This is a little baby great horned owl. He has an injured left wrist, and a broken pelvis, which is why he is in the box--he is actually sitting in a sling to keep weight off of his legs. We will be watching closely the next several weeks to make sure he is progressing. He will be eating 4-5 mice daily!
Turtle
Someone brought this turtle in after it was hit by a car on the highway. He is scheduled for surgery to repair his shell, and he'll be released when he recovers.
Fawn Release
Two fawns were orphaned and brought to our refuge. They were too small to feed themselves, so they were cared for and released back into the wild when they were ready.
Baby Raccoon
This baby raccoon had been bottle fed by someone and then dumped in a dumpster. He will probably not be releasable and will have to be euthanized unless a zoo can be found for him. Once tamed, most wild animals do not survive in the wild.
Baby Barn Owls
These barn owls were rescued from a barn where they were discovered on top of a combine. They were moved and left for their mom to return, but she never did.
Baby Cottontails
Most baby cottontails do not survive without their mother--even with the most experienced rehabilitator. You will not see mother rabbits in and out of the nest during the day--they leave the babies alone and come back at night.
Our newest baby cottontail was orphaned, but just because you find one alone doesn't mean its mother isn't close. Click HERE to find out what to do if you find a baby rabbit.
Baby Screech Owl
Our latest baby screech owl fell out of its nest and didn't have a safe place to stay on the ground. We'll feed him until he's old enough to hunt and fly, and he'll be released. He'll be able to use our new flight pen! Check it out!
Baby Grackle
It seems we get a few of these little guys each year. This orphaned baby grackle is eating well, and he'll be ready to fly in just a few weeks.
Box Turtle
Another injured box turtle was brought to us after he was hit by a car. His shell will be repaired so that he can live out his long life! Box turtles live up to 100 years in the wild!
Baby Barn Owl
This funny little guy was brought to us after someone noticed he was having difficulty moving. His leg had broken at some point and had not healed properly. He will stay with us and heal, and will most likely be the star of an educational program.
Squirrel
This unfortunate little guy was fighting with a cat and lost. Someone brought him in and he is in recovery. His injuries have been treated and he will be given antibiotics so that he can heal and be released.
Great Horned Owl
This is a little baby great horned owl. He has an injured left wrist, and a broken pelvis, which is why he is in the box--he is actually sitting in a sling to keep weight off of his legs. We will be watching closely the next several weeks to make sure he is progressing. He will be eating 4-5 mice daily!
Turtle
Someone brought this turtle in after it was hit by a car on the highway. He is scheduled for surgery to repair his shell, and he'll be released when he recovers.
Fawn Release
Two fawns were orphaned and brought to our refuge. They were too small to feed themselves, so they were cared for and released back into the wild when they were ready.
Baby Raccoon
This baby raccoon had been bottle fed by someone and then dumped in a dumpster. He will probably not be releasable and will have to be euthanized unless a zoo can be found for him. Once tamed, most wild animals do not survive in the wild.
Baby Barn Owls
These barn owls were rescued from a barn where they were discovered on top of a combine. They were moved and left for their mom to return, but she never did.
Baby Cottontails
Most baby cottontails do not survive without their mother--even with the most experienced rehabilitator. You will not see mother rabbits in and out of the nest during the day--they leave the babies alone and come back at night.
Baby Blue Jay
Adoption Stories
Western Plains Animal Refuge has been fortunate to be a part of the lives of so many wonderful people and animals. Here are some of their stories:
Western Plains Animal Refuge has been fortunate to be a part of the lives of so many wonderful people and animals. Here are some of their stories:
Sadie and Ron
Sadie found her forever home with Ron and his wife, Rebecca. They have patiently been waiting to adopt Miss Sadie from the Refuge. Sadie was an owner surrender because she was having accidents in the house. When Sadie came to the Rescue, we fortunately discovered she had a urinary tract infection, which was causing her to have the accidents. Sadie is healthy now and ready to start her new life with Ron and Rebecca!
Desi, Luke, Erin, Hunter and Hudson
Desi has a new family! Luke and Erin from Nebraska drove down with their family to take her home. Desi came to the Refuge from the Hutchinson shelter, where there was a chance she would have been euthanized because the shelter was full. Desi was thrilled with her new playmates, especially Hunter and Hudson!
Cherry and Jill
Cherry was excited to head to Russell, Kansas with new owner Jill to meet her new family ... especially the other three dogs in the household, Carli, Abigail and Xena! Cherry came to the Refuge from the Hutchinson shelter, where there was a good chance she'd be euthanized, since the shelter was full. She and Jill will make a good pair!
Tango and Janice
Basil, who is now Tango, left with new owner Janice to head to Atwood, Kansas. She was very excited to meet him, and had packed him a nice care package for the ride home! Here are Janice and Tango, just before they hit the road!
Marley
Marley left with Shon Dinkel and his family to start a new life! They found Marley online and decided to surprise the kids by bringing them to Western Plains Animal Refuge to adopt Marley. They are at home in Hays, and Marley is living the life!!
Bobby
Jackie loves to have feline companions, and she fell in love with Bobby, who had been with us for 10 months! She recently lost her black male cat to FIP, and thinks Bobby will fit in fabulously with her other cats!
Cedric
Cedric went to Blue Rapids, Kansas with new owners Dennis and Susan Hiatt. Cedric came to the refuge from the Hutchinson shelter, where he had been abandoned by his last owner in a vacant apartment. He was eager to start his new life as an only pet with the Hiatts!
Dixie
After staying with us for only a few days, Dixie has found her forever home! Connie is a local client of The Animal Health Center and was looking for a companion for her other dog, Des. Des is a one-year-old Saint Bernard mix and should hit it off well with his new friend Dixie!
Cinnamon, Jessie and Tyler
Cinnamon went home with new owners Jessie and Tyler. She will be living with them in Hays. Cinnamon was originally trying to find a home with Second Chance, but wasn't having luck in the Norton area. Thanks to the trade, Miss Cinnamon found a home before she was even here a week! She is pictured here with Tyler and her new boy!
Addie and Julia
Triscuit has found a new home with Julia, who has had cats for all of her life, except for the last eight months. She decided she was overdue for finding a feline friend and needed one in her life! She renamed Triscuit "Addie," and they are adjusting to each other well!
Ben and Betty
Sheldon left with his new owner Betty. She was excited to pick him up and has already renamed him Ben. Sheldon was a stray kitten from the Hill City area. Betty was a little nervous about bringing home a kitten because she has not had a young cat in 17 years! We think they will do great!
Zoey left with new owner Jeanette and daughter Keziah. Keziah was counting down the days until they could make the 500-mile trip to Hays to meet Zoey. They saw her online, and Keziah knew that she would be a perfect match for their family. They are all adjusting well to their new home in Troy, Missouri.
Sapphire
Sapphire went home with new owner Tammie and her son. They drove two hours from Seldon, Kansas to come get her. Sapphire first came to the refuge from the Hutchinson shelter, where she was a stray with a broken leg. When she arrived, we feared she would have to have the leg amputated due to the amount of time it had been broken. Fortunately, Dr. Braun was able to put a pin in the leg and she is healing well.
Luke and Lulu
Luke and Lulu found a cozy home with owner, Connie, in Hays. Luke and Lulu both came from the Hutchinson Shelter and had moved to our refuge at the beginning of January. We were more than thrilled when Connie decided to take them both into her home! Here they are pictured with Connie as they head out to start their new life!
Calley
Calley was rocky mountain high with love as she left for Denver with new owner Jason. She was also thrilled to meet her new brother, another retriever! Calley is pictured here checking out her owner Jason instead of posing!
Magic
Magic is living in Victoria with owners Cody and DeAnne. He immediately knew he belonged with these lovely people! Here he is photographed with DeAnne.
Cheez-It
Cheez-it moved out of the refuge to live it up with new owner Matt. They are staying in Hays and both are enjoying each others company. Here is Cheez-it pictured with Matt.
Jackson
Jackson is living in Hays with his new owner Larry. Larry is retired and was looking for a nice companion to keep him company. Jackson was more than thrilled to fill that position!
Ripley
Ripley went to Lucas, KS to live with Jera, Doug and family. She was very excited to meet her new family and the 2 out of 5 children she will be living with. Ripley is pictured here with Jera, Doug, Connor and Duncan. Ripley was overwhelmed with joy to go home with them!
London
Miss London headed out to Great Bend to start
a new adventure with owner Brittany. Brittany is
expecting a baby in the next couple months so
London will have a human sibling to grow up with.
She was very excited to hit the road and start
her new life with Brittany.
Oden
Oden moved to Ellis with new owner Chavonneto go live with her and her family after he completed his heartworm treatment. He is adjusting well and seems to be making himself at home. Oden is pictured her with Chavonne's 13-year-old daughter, Ciara.
Gilbert
Gilbert is living in Manhattan with new owner, John.
John and his family were excited to take Gilbert to
his new home. Gilbert is pictured here with one of John's children.
Fez
Fez is living a happy life with new owner Chelsea.They are living in Hays and spoiling the little guy rotten! Here is Fez pictured with owner Chelsea on their way out of the refuge.
Valencia
Valencia is now living in Haviland, KS with new owner Chris. She was very excited to venture outside the clinic and is said to be doing great! She is pictured here with Chris' son Cole.
Adam
Adam was singing "Kansas City, Kansas City here I come!" He is living with Terri and her family who were all very anxious to finally meet him. He is pictured
here with Terri's daughter, Samantha.
Tonni, Lynelle and Cade
Ms. Tonni went home with her new family. Lynelle and son Cade came in the clinic to check out the cats. Ms. Tonni was playing with a ball trying to do her best to impress them, and she did! Pictured is Lynelle's son Cade, with Tonni.
Jagger and Tarah
Jagger went to his new home with Tarah, a Hays resident. She was looking for another companion for herself as well as her cat Duke. She came in to meet Jagger and decided he would fit in perfectly as long as he could handle Duke! Apparently the cat's name is a warning to put up your dukes when you're around him. Jagger's personality is well-equipped for dealing with cats, and he is happy to have found a home.
Click here if you would like to share your story!
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