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.

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.

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.

Email us at [email protected] for pricing, scheduling, questions and inquiries. 

Wanda

Species: Groundhog
Favorite Snacks:  Bananas, sweet potatoes, kale, and tomatoes.
Activities: Designing the perfect nest for herself, then napping in it.

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.