Every rustling leaf, soaring bird, and curious fox reminds us of the beauty and importance of the natural world. Wildlife is more than just a glimpse of nature’s wonder—it’s a vital part of our ecosystems and our shared responsibility to protect.
Our Wildlife Education Program is designed to bring that connection to life. Through community outreach and educational initiatives, our wildlife team is on a mission to inspire understanding and stewardship.
Why Wildlife Matters:
Wildlife is essential to the balance of nature. By learning about the roles of wildlife and the challenges they face, we can better protect and coexist with the creatures who call our world home.
What Our Program Offers:
Our team brings engaging, interactive presentations to schools, community groups, businesses, and local events, offering:
- Insights into the vital role of wildlife in our environment.
- Practical tips for living in harmony with wildlife.
- Opportunities to get involved in conservation efforts.
Our program is an invitation to deepen your understanding and spark a passion for protecting the wild spaces we all cherish.
Our Educational Programs
Private Meet & Greet
Enjoy a private, unforgettable meet-and-greet with Anderson Wildlife Center’s ambassador animals! This exclusive experience lets you get up close with Isabelle the opossum and Wanda the woodchuck, two charismatic residents with unique stories. You’ll have the chance to feed them special treats and learn about their natural behaviors and adaptations from our expert staff. Plus, capture the moment with photos of these memorable encounters! Perfect for families, small groups, and wildlife enthusiasts, this private session offers an intimate way to connect with our local wildlife and support conservation efforts.
| Location | South Elgin Shelter |
| Cost | $75 for 30 minutes $125 for 1 hour |
| Ages | All Ages |
Email us at [email protected] for scheduling, questions and inquiries.
Wildly Coexisting
Our Wildlife Coexistence Education Program is designed for participants ages 10 and up and offers a deep dive into the lives of local wildlife in Illinois, focusing on practical ways to safely and respectfully coexist with them. Led by experienced wildlife educators at Anderson Wildlife Center, the program features interactive sessions with our ambassador animals, Isabelle the opossum and Wanda the woodchuck. Participants will learn about the unique roles these animals play in local ecosystems, as well as the challenges they face due to habitat loss, pollution, and human interference. Through engaging activities and discussions, attendees will gain insights into the importance of responsible outdoor behaviors, such as safe ways to observe wildlife, the dangers of outdoor pets, and reducing hazards like fishing tackle and litter. The program aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools they need to minimize human-wildlife conflicts and contribute to the protection of Illinois’s rich natural heritage.
| Location | South Elgin Shelter or Virtually |
| Ages | 12+ |
Email us at [email protected] for pricing, scheduling, questions and inquiries.
Wildlife Warriors: The Art of Healing Nature
Join us for an enlightening one-hour presentation on the basics of wildlife rehabilitation! Designed for nature lovers and curious minds, this engaging session explores what it takes to rescue and care for sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals. Participants will get an overview of the wildlife rehabilitation process, from initial intake and triage to treatment, recovery, and eventual release back into the wild. Through real-life stories and case studies, we’ll discuss common causes for animal admissions, like vehicle collisions, habitat loss, and environmental hazards, as well as how rehabilitators address these issues. This presentation includes fascinating insights into the specialized care given to birds of prey, mammals, reptiles, and more, and explains why rehabilitation is essential to wildlife conservation. Ideal for audiences aged 10 and up, this presentation is a quick but impactful way to understand the vital role of wildlife rehabilitation centers and how we can all support the protection and preservation of our native wildlife.
| Location | South Elgin Shelter or Virtually |
| Ages | 10+ and up! |
Email us at [email protected] for pricing, scheduling, questions and inquiries.
Meet Our Team
Isabelle
Species: Virginia Opossum
Favorite Snacks: Grapes, apples, and carrots.
Activities: Napping AND some more napping.
Wanda
Species: Groundhog
Favorite Snacks: Bananas, sweet potatoes, kale, and tomatoes.
Activities: Designing the perfect nest for herself, then napping in it.
Stephanie
Wildlife Program Manager
Stephanie Franczak, Wildlife Program Manager at Anderson Humane, has over a decade of experience in wildlife care and rehabilitation. She earned her Bachelor’s in Animal Behavior with a minor in Psychology from Carroll University. Starting with an internship at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in 2010, she progressed from keeper to Hospital Director by 2018, overseeing the sanctuary’s rehab operations.
Since joining Anderson Humane in December 2021, Stephanie has led wildlife care, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts. A Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator, she has contributed to research on bat populations and scent enrichment for big cats, establishing herself as a leader in wildlife rehabilitation and animal welfare.
Robert
Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager
Robert Schuman has over 12 years of wildlife rehabilitation experience. Starting as a volunteer at Fox Valley Wildlife Center in 2012, he became Director of Operations in 2016, managing daily programs until 2020.
Now Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager at Anderson Humane, Robert oversees the care of thousands of animals annually. A Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator, he blends expertise with a passion for conservation, ensuring top-notch care and impactful community outreach. He holds an Associate of Science degree from Waubonsee Community College.
Wendy
Wildlife Rehabilitator
Wendy Kvapil is a Wildlife Rehabilitator at Anderson Humane with over a year of hands-on wildlife experience. She holds a Bachelor’s in Zoology from Southern Illinois University, earned in May 2023.
Wendy began her career with internships at Anderson Humane and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, where she gained valuable skills in wildlife care and conservation. Since rejoining Anderson Humane, she has progressed through various roles, showcasing her dedication and expertise in wildlife rehabilitation.
Funding for this website provided by Forefront - the Mission Sustainability Initiative.
Anderson Humane is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit recognized by the IRS. FE #: 36-6164626 Copyright © 2024 by Anderson Humane.
Anderson Humane
1000 S. La Fox Street
South Elgin, IL 60177
(847) 697-2880
OR
Text (224) 346-9747