Western Plains Animal Refuge
Every Life Matters
Success Stories

Western Plains Animal Refuge wildlife rescue and dog and cat adoption

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:


Heron
This heron came in from Russell County with an injured wing. Fortunately it isn't broken and he should be releasable in a week or two.


Chimney Swift
This little chimney swift came in this week after his nest was cleaned out of someone's chimney. He had an eye infection that we are treating and he is doing well!


Baby Birds
These three baby birds are being syringe-fed. Two of them are grackles and one is a blue jay. They're hungry babies! They'll be fed until they are big enough to fend for themselves and fly away!



Opossum Orphan
This little guy was brought in after he was found next to a road in Plainville. His mother and siblings had all been run over by a vehicle and killed. He is the only survivor, and he will be bottle-fed, weened and released. He was hungry, and Noodles the Rat was nice enough to share his grapes.


Easter bunnies
Easter Bunnies
These baby bunnies were found at Easter time by a family's cat. We think the Easter bunny forgot he was babysitting! They will be fed and nurtured until they are old enough to be released into their natural habitat.

Cooper Hawk wild animal rescue at western plains animal refuge
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.

A young, injured turkey vulture was brought in to Western Plains Animal Refuge.
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 arrived at Western Plains Animal Refuge in Hays, Kansas
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.

A Mississippi Kite was brought in to Western Plains Animal Refuge by City of Hays Animal Control.
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.



Bobcat rescue and rehabiliation at Western Plains Animal Refuge in Hays, Kansas
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.


A very sick young coyote came to us two months ago. We love wildlife rescue and rehabilitation!
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!

opossum rescue
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 squirrel rehabilitation
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 rehabilitation
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 chicken rehabilitation
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 rehabilitation
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.

injured grebe rehabilitation
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!

screech owl rehabilitation
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 rehabilitation
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.



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Wildlife Projects


Screech Owl
This little screech owl was hit by a car in Russell County. He has been treated for shock, and so far he is doing well.


Baby Raccoons
These two baby raccoons were not quite ready to be on their own yet after being orphaned in Munjor, Kansas, although they had the attitude and wild nature set and ready to go! We'll provide food in one of our outdoor pens until they are old enough to be released into their natural habitat.


wren rescue bird rehabilitation in central Kansas
Wren
A little wren was found on a Hays resident's porch. It had apparently been attacked by an animal and was having problems taking flight. He is doing much better and will be ready for release soon!
 

snapping turtle rescued at Western Plains Animal Refuge
Snapping Turtle
This injured snapping turtle had some bleeding and discoloration of its back leg. It showed up in a Russell, KS resident's yard in hopes of finding some assistance. Animal Control in Russell brought him to us for rehabilitation, and, hopefully, release.


Muscrat wild animal rescue and rehabilitation Kansas
Muskrat
This guy was caught in a chain link fence. He was rescued by Animal Control in Russell, Ks. When the officer got him out of the fence he didn't move so she had him brought in to be sure he wasn't hurt. We held him for observation, and when all was fine, he was released the next day.

An injured barn swallow receives care at Western Plains Animal Refuge wildlife rehabilitation center
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 rescued after their tree was cut down.
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 are so cute, but we minimize contact so they can one day be released.
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:
deer rescue and release Western Plains Animal Refuge animal shelter and while life rehabilitation
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
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 rehabilitation
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 cottontail bunnies
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 bobcat
Baby Bobcat
Our little bobcat was found by someone's barn cat. Unfortunately, she had been tamed and was not releasable. She now lives at a good refuge developed specifically for large cats.

deer fawn rehabilitation
Deer Fawn
Born late in the year, our beautiful fawn was found next to its mother, who died giving birth to its twin. It was rehabilitated and returned to the wild.

barn owls rehabilitation
Barn Owls
These young barn owls were rescued after their mother was killed by a power line. After being taught to hunt, they were released.

grackle aviary rehabilitation
Turtle Dove
After being attacked by a cat, this turtle dove is being treated at the refuge and will be released.


Baby Blue Jay

Even the tiniest creatures matter at WPAR. This baby blue jay was orphaned. He was raised until he was old enough to find food and fly away to a new home.

American kestral rehabilitation
American Kestral
This beautiful bird was found injured and was rehabilitated. He has since been released.

Western Plains Animal Refuge
3340 E. 27th
Hays, Kansas 67601
(785) 621-4222

email us!

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:


Dega and Cheryl

Dega went with his new-found love, Cheryl, to his home in Glasco, Kansas. Dega came to the refuge with parvo that had to be treated before he could be adopted. He is now healthy and ready to live life to the fullest. Here are Dega and Cheryl before hitting the interstate!


Houston, Maine and Jennifer

Houston and Maine left together to start their lives with Hays resident Jennifer. She was originally going to adopt just one, but when she realized what a terrific duo they make, she adopted both! Houston and Maine were born at the refuge, and are happy to have found a good home together!


Merlin and John

Merlin headed to Leavenworth, Kansas with John and family. The kids were ecstatic to come meet Merlin and take him home! Merlin came to the refuge from the Hutchinson shelter, which was very full at the time. Here, Merlin is pictured with John and the kids on their way out.


Sunflower, Isabelle and Addie

Sunflower was adopted by our very own special volunteer, Isabelle, Dr. Braun's daughter. She recently had to lose her own dear cat due to health issues and was needing some love in her life. Sunflower is a ball of joy and has brought everyone here at the refuge happiness since she came in. Here, Sunflower is pictured with Isabelle and her sister Addie.

Spain, Kelsey and Sloan

Spain is now the proud pet of Hays residents Kelsey and Sloan. He was waiting patiently for them as he was the first of seven kittens in his litter to leave. He and his siblings were brought in by Animal Control and given a second chance. Kelsey and Sloan have renamed Spain "Pudge" and couldn't wait to get him home!


Clod and Connie

Clod left with new owner, Connie, from Hays. Clod was adopted out from a grant we received from a local refuge supporter who offered to cover the adoption fee of an adult cat to an elderly shut in. Clod was excited to work her magic of being a wonderful companion and friend. Here are Clod and Connie pictured on their way out to start their new life together.




Midge, Charles and Wilma

Midge headed to Stockton, Kansas with new owners Charles and Wilma. They had recently lost their elderly rat terrier, who helped Wilma with her hearing impairment. They are hoping to train Midge to do that as well. Midge came to the refuge when she was just three days old with her mother and siblings from a shelter that was too full to keep them. Here, Midge is giving her new mom kisses before leaving the refuge.



Lindsey, Keith and Family

Lindsey went home with her new owner Keith and his family. She will be living in Ellis, Kansas and will be completely spoiled because she is the only pet in the house! Lindsey came to the refuge from a Leavenworth shelter that was full, and she and her siblings were at risk of being euthanized. Lindsey was very excited to get to her new home! Here she is pictured with Keith's daughter, Emily.

Lila and Family

Lila went to live with David and Janelle and their family. Lila came to the refuge from the Hutchinson shelter, which was very full. She had been found running as a stray. She came to Hays in hopes of finding a home. Here she is pictured with her new kids!


Ted, Richard and Evelyn

Ted was adopted by Hays residents Richard and Evelyn. They came in to see the refuge's selection of kittens, and Ted jumped right on board and said, "Let's get outta here!" Ted came to the refuge with his three siblings and not just one, but two mother cats. The shelter he was from was so full that the staff wasn't sure who his mother was. Here is a very happy Ted pictured with Richard and Evelyn.
 

 
Star and Nicole and Family

Star came to the refuge after being surrendered by her owner, who could no longer tend to her. She was so excited to find her family that she really didn't want to stand around for photos! New owner Nicole and her boys made a special trip to WalMart to get Star's necessities and took Star home to Quinter, Kansas. We're excited for all of them!



Roscoe and Mitzi

Roscoe left with new owner Mitzi to go to his new home in Great Bend, Kansas. Roscoe came to the refuge because of financial difficulties his previous owner was having. He is excited to be in a home setting again, and is adjusting well!


Kelley and Elvis

A kitten named Robin headed out with new owner Kelley, who had a nice surprise when she picked Robin up. Robin was, in fact, a male! This adjustment was a breeze for Kelley, who really liked the name Elvis. Kelley and Elvis are shown below on their way out of the refuge to start a new adventure!


Joan, Rupert and Marilyn

Joan was adopted by Hays residents Rupert and Marilyn. She came to the refuge with her mother and six siblings from a shelter that was full. Joan was excited to leave the herd behind and start out her new life with Rupert and Marilyn!

Fry and Kristy

Marshall, now named Fry, went home with Kristy and her family from Healy, Kansas. Fry came to us from a shelter in Kansas that was very full. Here, Fry is pictured with Kristy and her mom, Kathy.

Lola, Devin and Kristin

Lola was adopted by local residents Kristin and Devin. She will be hanging out with four cats in their household. Lola came to us from a shelter in Leavenworth, Kansas that was full, and there was a good chance that she would have been euthanized. Lola is adjusting well in Hays! Here, she is pictured with Devin and Kristin.



Bertram and Brenda


Bertram, one of our rat terrier mix pups, left with Brenda from Hays. Brenda has previously adopted a cat from us, and came back to get her a friend. Bertram came to the refuge with his mother, Susie, and his siblings, from another shelter. He has now been renamed Koda and is pictured here with Brenda, Ellen and Danny.




Logan "Bud" and Family

Logan found a home in Hoxie, Kansas with Paul, Andrea and family. He has been renamed Bud, and will have another dog to play with on the farm. Logan came to the refuge from a shelter that was full and could no longer house him, his littermates and his mother. Here is Logan (Bud) pictured with Paul, Andrea and one of their sons, Michael.





Susie


Susie found her forever home with Tammy from Russell, Kansas. She was thrilled to leave the refuge and had extra pep in her step on her way out! Susie came to us when her puppies were only three days old. They'd been at a shelter that was full, and most likely would have been euthanized. Susie, Tammy, and Tammy's daughter Breanna were happy to have found each other!



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, Jeanette and Keziah

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 Chavonne
to 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.



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We are not a Humane Society, we are a no-kill animal shelter.

Western Plains Animal Refuge

3340 E. 27th Street
Hays, Kansas 67601
(785) 621-4222

westernplainsanimalrefuge
@live.com


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