Avian
“Hope”, a Bald Eagle, was found in Good Hope, Illinois (north of Macomb) on February 10th, 2010. She had been shot in the wing which resulted in a fracture. The fracture site was close to the “elbow” joint so it could not be repaired. She was approximately 3-4 years of age at the time of admittance to TreeHouse. Hope is sponsored by Gary Surgeon.
“Spuds”, a Bald Eagle, flew into a power line near the Winfield Dam in January of 1988. This resulted in a wing injury that could not be repaired, prompting partial amputation of the wing. Spuds is a female believed to be born in 1987, and has remained at TreeHouse since her injury. Spuds is easily identifiable due to her vocal nature. Spuds is sponsored by Gary Surgeon.
"McGwire" (Mac), a Bald Eagle, is the smallest eagle at TreeHouse. Mac was found on the ground in Fosterburg in the spring of 1997 after he apparently flew into a power line, breaking off the end of his wing which is the equivalent of our human hand. Mac is sponsored by Gary Surgeon.
"Ozzy", a Bald Eagle after being found in January of 2015 in Godfrey, IL. It was discovered that she had an old injury to her wing that left her disabled in flight. She is generally seen sitting on the highest perches in the enclosure. Ozzy is sponsored by Brooke Aldridge.
“Emrys” came to TreeHouse on March 18, 2015 after being hit by a car off of Route 37 just south of Salem, IL. His right wing was broken at the wrist joint and unfortunately the spot had to be amputated. A brave and curious bird, he quickly adapted to life in captivity and likes to interact with the staff and volunteers. He is TreeHouse’s first Bald Eagle to be trained as an educational outreach bird. He was retired in 2020. Emrys is sponsored by the Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery.
This bald eagle came to TreeHouse early 2019 with a fractured collarbone. The bone had healed incorrectly when it got to us, leaving it unable to fly or be released. Skye is sponsored by Gary Surgeon in memory of long time volunteers Mel & Shirley McCann.
“Bandit,” an Osprey, was found in Granite City in mid-October 2013 and most likely was injured after flying into a power line which resulted in a debilitating separated shoulder. Ospreys are notoriously picky eaters in captivity and are rarely seen in educational displays, but this youngster seems to have adjusted well. Bandit is sponsorship by K.A.E.
"Cirrus" is a light-phase Red-tailed Hawk admitted in early 2018 as a juvenile from Scott Air Force Base. She has a clean wrist amputation from an unknown source. She will reside at TreeHouse and an Education Outreach Ambassador. Cirrus is sponsored by Susan Rollins in memory of her mother, Dorothy Jackson.
"Hershey," a dark phased Red-tailed Hawk, was admitted on March 8th, 1997 from Mascoutah with two open fractures on the right wing that could not be repaired. Hershey is sponsored by Christine Casten in memory of Lee Casten, who loved to tell his hawk story.
"Luke," a Red-tailed Hawk, was admitted as a juvenile from Alton on May 28, 2011 after sustaining a fracture to the right wing which could not be repaired. Luke is sponsored in Memory of Josh Clayton-Felt
"Socks," a Rough-legged Hawk, was admitted to TreeHouse on February 12, 2004 from Litchfield after being hit by a car, causing a fracture to her left leg. The leg injury healed well, but to our disappointment, Socks sustained a disabling wing injury while in release training. Due to slight plumage (feather) differences in sexes, we believe Socks to be female. Socks is available for Sponsorship through our Guardian Program.
"Huey", a Coopers Hawk was brought to TreeHouse in 2020. With a dislocated left shoulder and being only partially flighted, he is unable to properly hunt and can't be released back to the wild. Usually Coopers Hawks are very excitable, but this one has a very suitable personality for life at TreeHouse. Huey is available for sponsorship through our Guardian Program.
"Maorga", a Peregrine Falcon, was found alongside the road in October 2019. She was suffering from a wing injury that could not be repaired and had to be partially amputated, leaving her unable to fly. Maorga is an education outreach ambassador. Maorga is sponsored by Mary Morrison.
"Lief", the Peregrine Falcon. He was brought to TreeHouse after being found in 2021 with a fractured wing. It is presumed he was hit by a car. The wing is permanently damaged and he will not be able to return to the wild. He is in training to be an Outreach Education Ambassador. Lief is available for sponsorship through our Guardian Program.
"Billy", an American Kestrel, was brought to TreeHouse in spring 2022. Obviously raised by someone due to being fully human imprinted, he is learning to be an Education Ambassador. Due to illegal rehabbing, he will never live a life in the wild. Billy is sponsored by Judie and Crew.
"Cessna", is an American Kestrel. We know she is female due to the muted color pattern. Males will have a more vivid and highlighted blue color. Cessna is sponsored in Honor of Peyton Watsek.
“Isaac Newton,” a Turkey Vulture, was admitted on May 29, 2014 from Palmyra, IL as a nestling. He was found after his nest was accidentally destroyed during the demolition of an old farmhouse. Isaac had a wing and neck injury from the accident which required a lot of care for him to recover but unfortunately he was deemed not releasable. Isaac is quite the character and often will come up to greet guests. Crowned Critter of the Year 2020. Isaac is sponsored by Col. Stephen Miller (Ret).
“Karion”, a Turkey Vulture, was admitted on November 13, 2014 from Shobonier, IL. Her wing was broken near the elbow joint and could not be repaired leaving her unable to fly very well. She works as a foster parent to help raise young Turkey Vultures. Karion is sponsored by Eric Bloemker in honor of his sister, Karen.
“Igor”, a Turkey Vulture, came to TreeHouse on November 29, 2011 from Effingham, IL when he was found with an old wing injury. Unfortunately, the wing could not be fixed and he was left unable to fly. A shy bird, Igor usually spends his time inside the vulture house. Igor is available for sponsorship through our Guardian Program.
“Einstein,” a Turkey Vulture, was born in the spring of 2011 is a human imprint – raised by humans and therefore unable to live in the wild. She is known as the diva of our center as she loves to show off and interact with guests. Einstein is sponsored by Ivan Vining.
"Luther" the Turkey Vulture came to TreeHouse in September 2021 from Carrollton, IL after an exhausting foot chase covering many blocks. He had a broken wing close to the elbow joint. After casting the wing, the joint callused leaving Luther unable to fly. As a juvenile, he has been accepted by our other resident vultures and will become a permanent resident. Luther has a lifetime Guardianship in honor of Luther Disher.
“ED,” an American White Pelican, was admitted to Treehouse in November of 2013 from Taylorville, IL. He had a fractured wing that could not be repaired and had to be partially amputated. He also was suffering from a parasite infection. Ed’s sassy attitude makes him a favorite among volunteers. Ed is available for Sponsorship through our Guardian Program.
"Penelope", an American White Pelican came from Moraine Ridge Wildlife Rehabilitation center in Indiana on June 20th, 2016. She had been declared non-releasable due to being partially blind. They had heard we had a lonely pelican so decided to transfer her to us to see if Ed would like her. As long as fish isn't involved, they seem to get along. Penelope is available for Sponsorship through our Guardian Program.
"Topaz" the Short-eared Owl was found in 2021 with a dislocated left shoulder, fracture to left radius, and luxating left wrist. With so much damage, it will not be able to ever fly again. It is currently in training to become an Outreach Animal Ambassador. Topaz is sponsored by Judie and Crew.
“Howie,” a Great Horned Owl, came to TreeHouse in the winter of 2014 after being found unable to fly in the backyard of a family in Glen Carbon, IL. She was suffering from a wing injury and starvation and was deemed unreleasable. Howie can generally be seen sitting in the nest box, where she hoards her food during the evening. She works as a foster parent for young Great Horned Owls. Howie is sponsored by Lee Ann Kaskutas.
“Owlbert,” a Great Horned Owl, was admitted to TreeHouse on May 17, 1996 from Palmyra, Illinois. He had been raised from a chick by a person and became imprinted. His diet wasn’t balanced which caused him to develop rickets. Rickets is caused by a lack of calcium in the diet (especially in growing birds), which causes the bones to become soft and prone to bending and breaking. Owlbert is housed by himself due to his territorial nature. Owlbert- Sponsored In Memorial of Lee Ann Matzen.
"Cole", a Great Horned Owl, was brought to the center in 2018 as an orphan after being cared for by a non-licensed caretaker. While Cole's sibling was able to be returned to the wild, Cole sought out people and was unable to be released. Cole is sponsored by Elaine English Grove.
"Jack", a Barred Owl, was admitted on October 28, 2011 from Carrollton after being hit by a car and sustaining a permanently injured eye. Jack often acts as a foster parent to raise orphaned Barred Owls and is very protective of any owlets that are put in his care. Want to hear him talk? He often responds to recordings of Barred Owl calls! Jack is sponsored in memory of James Tarter.
"Heady," a Barred Owl, was found September 15, 2015 on the side of the road in Pleasant Hill, IL. It was believed that he had been hit by a car, causing blunt trauma and ultimately the loss of one of his eyes. Because of this, he was unable to be released back into the wild. Heady is a very curious bird and is known to get very excited during feeding time. Heady is available for Sponsorship through our Guardian Program.
“Chili,” a Barred Owl, was found on the side of the road between Freeburg and Athens in June of 2015 after a family had noticed him 24 hours before. He has a permanent injury to his left wing and can no longer fly. Chili is considered the most "chill" owl we have. He is an outreach bird. Chili is sponsored by Elaine English Grove.
"Victor", the Barred Owl came to TreeHouse in 2021. Already missing an eye and human imprinted, he was unable to be returned to the wild. Victor is an Outreach Education Ambassador. Victor is sponsored by Victoria Vernau.
"Marcy", the Barred Owl came to TreeHouse in 2020, suffering from a damaged wing. After surgery, she was left with a partial amputation. Unable to go back to the wild, she has found a permanent home with us. She is a great companion to Chili when Jack and Heady are fostering orphaned owlets during the spring. Sponsored by Christine Casten in memory of her best friend Marcy Ann Thomson.
“Leia”, a gray-phase Screech Owl, suffered the loss of an eye due to a car accident. She is a shyer bird and can generally be found hanging out in the nest box keeping to herself. Leia is sponsored by Patrice Vaeth.
"Amaretto", a red-phase Screech Owl, was found in 2021 missing its left eye. After an exam and observation, it was decided release back to the wild would not be possible. Both eyes are needed for binocular vision which fully focuses on their prey and boosts depth perception. Amaretto is currently being trained as an Education Outreach Ambassador. Amaretto sponsorship is $250.
"Ingram", an American Crow, was brought to the center in June 2018. Kept illegally as a pet for over ten years, Ingram is human imprinted and can't return to the wild. Ingram is sponsored by Morrison's Irish Pub.
Mammals
"Dorian", a Gray Fox was transferred from a private center in North Carolina in August 2019. Volunteers drove for three days round trip before hurricane Dorian hit the area to bring him back to TreeHouse. Dorian is available for sponsorship through our Guardian Program.
"Utah", a Silver Fox was transferred from a rehab center in Utah in 2019. He was found running with a pack of dogs in the desert. It is believed he was a pet as he was neutered. Utah is available for sponsorship through our Guardian Program.
Moxie came to TreeHouse in 2020 after being found wandering in a neighborhood. We are unsure of her previous history. Moxie is available for sponsorship through the Guardian Program.
"Fagin", the Red Fox. Available for sponsorship through our Guardian Program.
"Nyx", a Bobcat, was found near Peoria walking on the highway by herself and received local care. By the time she was brought to TreeHouse, she was socialized to people. With no other facility in IL having bobcat kittens at that time, we attempted to raise her wild. She became depressed and stopped eating without any interaction. Sadly she was deemed non-releasable and will remain at TreeHouse. Nyx is sponsored by Toni N. Brown.
"Rizzo", a Bobcat, came to TreeHouse from a facility in North Carolina in August 2019. Socialized to people, he can't return to the wild. Volunteers drove for three days round trip before hurricane Dorian hit the area to bring him back to TreeHouse. Rizzo is sponsored by Justin Hopkins II.
"Apache" the Coyote was hit by a vehicle in Sept. 2015 in Fairview Heights which resulted in both front legs being broken. His right front leg was broken more severely near the "elbow" joint so he cannot run full speed, or if he tries, he limps for a little bit afterwards. You can't even tell he has a disability when he walks. He was declared non-releasable since he can't run well enough to catch prey or escape danger. Apache is sponsored in honor of Trinity Marie Buel.
"Zuni" the Coyote was admitted in the spring of 2011 as an orphan. She was already human socialized by the time she came to our center and so could not be released back into the wild. Zuni is sponsored in honor of Trinity Marie Buel.
"Pickles", the Virginia Opossum, was admitted in Oct 2022. He was the victim of animal cruelty. After being chased and hit by a car, a human permanently damaged his eyes. He will reside in our "Possum Palace" and be give the respect and care he deserves. Pickles is sponsored by Julie and Vernon Springman.
"Louise", the Virginia Opossum, was brought to TreeHouse in 2021. She was illegally kept pet and is non-releasable due to being reliant on humans for her care. Louise is an "awesome opossum" ambassador and can be seen at educational events in the community. You can visit Louise at the center. Louise is sponsored by Michelle Camarena in honor of her Mother.
"Maddie", the groundhog, was brought in with neurological (head trauma) issues. It was decided she would not recover enough to survive in the wild. Maddie is sponsored by The Family Campers and RVers Club.
"Jabba", the Groundhog, was admitted as an orphan in the spring of 2016. He was raised with other young groundhogs who were able to be released but strangely he never had a fear of humans. Due to his friendly nature, he is now in training to be an ambassador for his species. Due to his age, Jabba will not be available for Guardianship.
Reptiles & Amphibians
"Sandy", an Axolotl, was donated to our center from a hobbyist in St. Louis in 2015. Sandy is an ambassador for amphibians in our education center. Sandy is sponsored by Mary Rotz in memory of Sandy Konopelski.
"Pepper", a wild type Axolotl was donated in January of 2016 from a hobbyist in St. Louis as a larva. Over the months, visitors were able to witness her growth from a legless larva to an adult. When she was big enough, she was introduced to our leucosticte axolotl, Sandy. Pepper is sponsored by Lila Sharp.
"Bubbles," an African Side-necked turtle, was donated to our center from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville after the professor who kept him for education had retired in 2014. He is now a resident in our education center. Bubbles is available for sponsorship through out Guardian Program.
"Tucker", a Yellow Mud Turtle, was donated to our center from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville after the professor who had kept him retired in 2014. He is now a resident in our education center. Tucker is available for Sponsorship through our Guardian Program.
"Marty" an Eastern Box Turtle was admitted to our center several years ago after being hit by a car and losing one of her back legs. She is a resident in our education center. Marty is sponsored by Geoffrey & Katherine Ralston.
"Houdini", an Eastern Box Turtle, was admitted to our center in 2013 after being hit by a car and losing one of his back legs. He is a resident in our education center. Houdini was named for his ability to disappear in his enclosure. Houdini is sponsored in the name of Bryer.
"Genevieve", the Three-toed Box Turtle, was transferred from an academic facility that was no longer working with Ambassador Animals. Genevieve is believed to be from 20-25 years old. You can visit her in the Education Center. Genevieve is sponsored in Memory of Genevieve and Charles Hoffman.
"Stanley", a Red-eared Slider, was donated with the Turtle Tank in 2019. Stanley is very interactive with visitors and can be seen swimming or warming himself under the heat lamp in the Visitors Center. Stanley is sponsored by Veronica, Olivia & Levi Dawdy.
"Van Gogh", a painted turtle, was brought to TreeHouse in 2020. He was missing one front and one back leg. As he is a painted turtle, he was given the name 'Van Gogh'. Van Gogh is sponsored in the name of Rowan.
"Slinky", a Plains Garter Snake, was donated several years ago by a student at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, who had kept him for research. He is a resident in our education center. Slinky is sponsored by Geoffrey & Katherine Ralston.
"Hazel", a Western Hognose Snake, was a DNR confiscation case. Western Hognose Snakes are state threatened and thus individuals must have permits to keep the snakes as pets. Hazel is now an Education Outreach Ambassador. Hazel is sponsored by Sophia Ward.
"Noodle", an Albino California Kingsnake, was donated to our center 2019 and is an Education Outreach Ambassador. Noodle is available for Sponsorship through our Guardian Program.
Permanent Residents
Meet our wildlife ambassadors! All of our permanent resident birds and mammals are native rescues who were injured in a way that prevented them from being able to return to the wild. Scroll over the pictures to learn more about our resident wildlife!
Have a favorite animal? Donate in to help with their shelter and care. Donate $20 or more and we will mail a photo. Make sure to add a note to let us know who you are donating for and add your address if you would like a photo.