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 Wildlife Encounter
Perfect for all wildlife lovers, enjoy a private meet-and-greet with with our friendly ambassador animal Wanda the groundhog. Get up close and learn about her behaviors and adaptations from expert staff.
Location: Anderson Wildlife Center
Elburn, IL
Cost: ONE Wildlife Ambassador, 30 minutes = $75 /up to 4 people
Ages: All ages. Children must be accompanied by adult chaperones.
Group Wildlife Encounter
Enjoy an unforgettable meet-and-greet with our friendly ambassador animal Wanda the groundhog. Groups will learn about her behaviors, adaptations, and roles in the ecosystem while watching her interact with our team, enjoy treats, and ask questions.
Location: Offsite – held at your location
Cost: ONE Wildlife Ambassador, 1 hour = $250 / up to 30 people (or a class size)
Ages: Kindergarten and up. Children must be accompanied by adult chaperones.
Virtual Wildlife Encounter
Perfect for all wildlife lovers, enjoy an exclusive meet-and-greet with our outgoing ambassador animal Wanda the groundhog. Watch her interact with our team, learn about her behaviors and role in the ecosystem, and ask questions.
Location: Virtual
Cost: ONE Wildlife Ambassador, 30 minutes =$50 / up to 50 people
*50+ guest accommodations can be discussed with ED team
Ages: All ages
Wildlife Rehabilitator for a Day
Experience wildlife rehabilitation firsthand with our “Wildlife Rehabilitator for a Day” program. This 4-hour, hands-on experience lets you work alongside a rehabilitator, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the care and rescue of native wildlife—perfect for animal lovers and conservation enthusiasts.
Location: Onsite at Anderson Humane Wildlife Center located in Elburn, IL
(May-October)
Cost: 4 hours = $450 / 1 person experience
Ages: 12 and up, ages 12-16 must be accompanied by an adult
Wildlife Warriors: The Art of Healing Nature – Virtual
Perfect for animal lovers, this interactive presentation introduces the basics of wildlife rehabilitation. Learn how sick or injured wild animals are rescued, treated, and released, and discover how this work supports conservation. You’ll also meet a few of our ambassador animals and hear their inspiring stories.
Location: Offsite – held at your location
Cost: ONE Wildlife Ambassador, 1 hour= $150 / up to 50 people
*50+ guest accommodations can be discussed with ED team
Ages: 9 and up
Wildlife Warriors: The Art of Healing Nature
Perfect for animal lovers, this presentation explains the basics of wildlife rehabilitation. Explore the process of rescuing, treating, and releasing sick or injured wild animals. Meet our ambassador animal and hear her story of rehabilitation. Learn about the challenges wildlife face and how rehabilitation supports conservation.
Location: Offsite – held at your location
– OR-
Onsite at Anderson Humane’s auditorium in South Elgin
Cost: ONE Wildlife Ambassador, 1 hour = $250 / up to 30 people (class size)
Ages: 9 and up
Tails and Tales:
Wildlife Storytime
(Private Experience)
Through engaging stories, children will learn about empathy, environmental stewardship, and the joys of helping wildlife and visit with our friendly ambassador animal.
Location: Offsite – held at your location
Cost: ONE Wildlife Ambassador, 1 hour = $250/up to 15 people
Ages: Pre-K and up
Wildly Coexisting Education Program – Virtual
This virtual session features one of our ambassador animals and explores her role in the ecosystem, challenges like habitat loss, and simple ways we can all help wildlife thrive in Illinois.
Location: Virtual
Cost: ONE Wildlife Ambassador, 1 hour= $150 / up to 50 people
*50+ guest accommodations can be discussed with ED team
Ages: 9 and up
Wildly Coexisting Education Program
Take a deep dive into our local wildlife and learn practical ways to coexist safely. The program features interactive sessions with our friendly ambassador animal, focusing on her role in the ecosystem and challenges like habitat loss. Participants will learn about responsible outdoor behaviors to minimize human-wildlife conflicts and help protect Illinois’s natural heritage.
Location: Offsite – held at your location
Cost: ONE Wildlife Ambassador, 1 hour = $250 / up to 30 people (class size)
Ages: 9 and up
Summer Tails and Tales: Wildlife Storytime
Join us at Elburn Forest Preserve for nature-themed stories, songs, crafts, and hands-on fun—perfect for young children and their grownups!
Location: Elburn Forest Preserve
45W061 IL-38 | Elburn, IL
Cost: $10 for the first child / $5 for each additional
Children under 2 are free. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Bring bug spray and a blanket or chair (extras provided).
No pets, please.
Space is limited—register early!
Nature on the Move – Weekly Wildlife Walks
Explore the outdoors with Anderson Humane’s Wildlife Center during these fun, educational walks for nature lovers of all ages. Each week features a new theme and offers a chance to learn about local wildlife in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Location: Various Locations (Will be listed on the Registration)
Cost: $10/person
12-Walk Package: $60
Children under 3: Free (must be accompanied by an adult)
Walks are stroller and wheelchair accessible.
Pre-registration is encouraged.
No bikes, scooters, or roller blades, please.
Mission Possible: Operation Rescue
A Hands-On Adventure for Young Animal Lovers
Kids ages 6–12 are invited to become wildlife heroes in this interactive, 2.5-hour program. Guided by our expert team, participants will learn how wild animals are rescued, treated, and returned to nature—through hands-on activities like mock exams, diet prep, and safe rescues using plush models.
Location: Elburn Forest Preserve – Front Lawn
Cost: $35 per child (includes all supplies)
Upcoming Dates:
Sunday, June 29 | 12–2:30 PM
Saturday, July 19 | 12-2:30 PM
Sunday, July 20 | 12-2:30 PM
Wild Adventure Discovery Series
Explore. Learn. Connect with Nature.
Join Anderson Humane every Thursday morning this summer for Wild Adventure,
a nature-based discovery series for curious minds of all ages. Held outdoors at the beautiful Elburn Forest Preserve, each session offers a new interactive theme featuring engaging presentations, hands-on activities, and guest speakers passionate about the wild world around us.
Whether you’re five or ninety-five, there’s something new to learn and enjoy each week!
Weekly Highlights May Include:
Discovering native Illinois wildlife
Exploring prairie, forest, and wetland habitats
Creating nature-inspired crafts and activities
Meeting local naturalists, wildlife experts, and conservationists
Enjoying family-friendly outdoor fun in a welcoming environment
Location: Elburn Forest Preserve
45W061 IL-38 | Elburn, IL
Cost: $10 for first child (children under 4 are FREE)
When: Thursdays, beginning
July 3rd | 9:30-11:30am
All Ages Welcome!
Children under 2 are free. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Join us for one session—or come every week. There’s always more to discover on the wild side of summer.
For Professionals
Wildlife Coexistence Education Program for Communities & Professionals
This program is designed for HOAs, businesses, and community organizations to learn about humane ways to manage local wildlife. Led by wildlife experts, the program covers practical steps for preventing conflicts, understanding wildlife’s role in ecosystems, and finding humane solutions for common issues.
Location: Offsite- at your location
Cost: 1 hour = $250 / up to 50 people
Wildlife Coexistence Education Program for Communities & Professionals – Virtual
This virtual interactive program is designed for HOAs, businesses, and community organizations to learn about humane ways to manage local wildlife. Led by wildlife experts, the program covers practical steps for preventing conflicts, understanding wildlife’s role in ecosystems, and finding humane solutions for common issues.
Location: Virtual
Cost: 1 hour = $250 / up to 50 people
*50+ guest accommodations can be discussed with ED team
Tours
Private Nursery Tour: Behind the Scenes of Wildlife Care
Join us for a private tour of Anderson Humane Wildlife Center’s nursery, where we care for orphaned wildlife and prepare them for release in the wild. This exclusive experience offers a firsthand look at how we rehabilitate infant mammals including feedings, medical care, and enrichment activities.
Location: Onsite at Anderson Humane Wildlife Center located in Elburn, IL
(May-September)
Cost: 30-45 minutes = $300 / up to 4 people
Ages: 7 and up. Children must be accompanied by adult chaperones.
Private Facility Tour – Anderson Humane Wildlife Center
Perfect for animal lovers and conservation advocates, experience the inspiring work of wildlife rehabilitation on a private tour of the Anderson Humane Wildlife Center. Caring for over 3,000 animals annually, this high-volume rehab center offers a behind-the-scenes look at the journey from rescue to release.
Location: Onsite at Anderson Humane Wildlife Center located in Elburn, IL
(May-September)
Cost: 1-2 hours = $450 / up to 6 people
Ages: 7 and up. Children must be accompanied by adult chaperones.
Virtual Nursery Tour: Inside the World of Orphaned Wildlife Care
Enjoy a live, tour of Anderson Humane Wildlife Center’s nursery from the comfort of your home or classroom. Guided by our wildlife experts, you’ll see how we care for orphaned wildlife, including feedings, medical care, and enrichment for young animals like raccoons, squirrels, and birds, all while learning about their journey to recovery and release.
Location: Virtual
(May-September)
Cost: 30 minutes = $150,
1 hour = $250
Ages: All ages
Virtual Facility Tour – Anderson Humane Wildlife Center
Enjoy a virtual tour of the Anderson Humane Wildlife Center. Caring for over 3,000 animals annually, you’ll learn about the wildlife rescue process—from intake and exams to rehab and release. Explore behind-the-scenes areas where our team prepares custom diets, provides treatments, and maintains natural enclosures to help animals regain strength and skills.
Location: Virtual
(May-September)
Cost: 1-2 hours = $300 / up to 50 people
*50+ guest accommodations can be discussed with ED team
Ages: All ages
Meet our Ambassador!
Wanda
Species: Groundhog
Favorite Snacks: Bananas, sweet potatoes, kale, and tomatoes.
Activities: Designing the perfect nest for herself, then napping in it.
Meet our Team
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.
Credentials: Internationally Certified Rehabilitator, State Licenced Rehabilitator
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.
Credentials: Internationally Certified Rehabilitator, State Licenced Rehabilitator
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.
Credentials: State Licenced Rehabilitator
Ashley
Wildlife Mentor
Ashley Cusimano is a dedicated Wildlife Mentor with a deep passion for animal care and education. She began as a volunteer at Fox Valley Wildlife Center in 2017, completing an internship in 2018 before advancing to Volunteer Manager later that year. Following the 2020 merger with Anderson Humane, she has grown through roles such as Wildlife Volunteer Coordinator and Assistant Wildlife Rehabilitator.
Now, as the Wildlife Mentor, she specializes in training staff, interns, and volunteers on proper animal handling and care. Ashley holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Aurora University and is pursuing a Master’s in Special Education at Western Illinois University to support inclusive, accessible wildlife programs for individuals of all abilities.
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 © 2025 by Anderson Humane.
Anderson Humane
1000 S. La Fox Street
South Elgin, IL 60177
(847) 697-2880
OR
Text (224) 346-9747