Suisan Wildlife Center

Horrible interaction. I called because we found a 4 week old (estimated) baby jack rabbit and didn’t know what to do with it. We had already taken it into our possession because it was found in an industrial area underneath a thorny tumbleweed and it looked so cold. It loved hanging out with us and staying warm! But we knew we wouldn’t be able to hold on to it through the night and keep it alive so we called them. The lady who answered the phone was pleasant and handed us over to their rabbit lady, LAURA. She was SO RUDE! As I’m explaining the story and she’s asking questions and telling me what to do she is huffing and puffing and had such an attitude. I told her I’d bring it in that day, did not say when. So about 2 hours later I get a phone call and she was extremely rude, asking why I haven’t it brought it in yet and I need to come down immediately and they’re already closed blah blah blah. So we brought it down and she was even worse in person. She talked to us like we were idiots that chased down this baby jack rabbit and captured it. She asked why it took so long to get there which is absolutely NONE of her business. She snatched the box and asked why it wasn’t covered (he wasn’t in a covered box all day and he loved sleeping snuggled up in a blanket regardless). Then once we explained the story AGAIN, she said «that’s unlikely». She was extremely rude and if I didn’t think that he was gonna be safe and returned back to the wild I would have walked away with that jack rabbit and told her to buzz off. Apparently (through other volunteers I know from there) she is the only lady that can keep rabbits alive and that is the only reason I feel remotely comfortable with leaving our little buddy there.

I used to volunteer at the center but moved out of the area. I miss working with the animals so much. There is nothing like this center where I live now… in Oregon… too far to commute. The staff and volunteers work so hard to help the wildlife that is brought in, it is unfortunate the public cannot see all their efforts, but it is, after all, mainly a hospital. The Executive Director, Monique, is hands-​on, which is great. Stop by and see the resident non-​releasables and please leave a donation, no matter how small. Five stars because although not perfect, the center does just about as well as it can do considering it survives from donations and grants only.

A great wildlife center that cares for and rehabilitates wild animals to return them to the wild. Totally have to stop by and see the animals that are cared for and live here full time, it’s a fabulous little place! Stop on by and please give!

Small center, interesting for a short visit. Talk to the great volunteers who care for these splendid animals that can no longer be released into the wild. My favorite was the San Diego County coyote, new to the center, that seem to enjoy our visit as much as we did taking it all in. The birds on display are great too. Loved the owl, golden eagle and others. Recommended. Oh, and leave a donation to help buy the food please.

cool animals! eagle, coyote, owl, hawk, snakes