VALPARAISO, IN – June 2025 — Humane Indiana Wildlife has officially admitted its 25,000th wild animal patient, marking an extraordinary milestone in its 11-year history of rescue, rehabilitation, and release of native wildlife.

This week, the wildlife team welcomed patient number 25,000, a young American robin who was rescued from the mouth of a curious dog. Though a bit shaken and slobbery, the robin arrived at the rehab center with only minor injuries. After a short period of healing and flight conditioning, he is expected to be released back into the wild within two weeks.

“I wanted to share an incredible milestone for the rehab center,” said Nicole Harmon, Senior Director of Humane Indiana Wildlife. “To have admitted 25,000 patients in just over a decade is a testament to the trust our community places in us—and the tireless work of our staff and volunteers. Every animal we admit is a story of resilience, and this little robin is no exception.”

Humane Indiana Wildlife, the only licensed wildlife rehabilitation center in Northwest Indiana, cares for over 3,500 animals each year—ranging from owls, hawks, and turtles to opossums, foxes, and songbirds like today’s milestone patient.

“This milestone reflects the deep commitment of our team and our community to wildlife preservation,” added Brian Fitzpatrick, CEO of Humane Indiana. “Each animal we admit represents a chance to make a difference—both for that creature and for the ecosystem it belongs to. We’re proud to have helped 25,000 animals, and we remain focused on the future of wildlife rehabilitation in Indiana.”

The center relies solely on donations, grants, and community support to provide lifesaving care. Events like the annual Festival of Owls raise critical funds and awareness for the mission.

Humane Indiana Wildlife encourages the public to always contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator when encountering an animal in distress, rather than trying to intervene on their own.

To support the center’s continued work and help the next 25,000 animals in need, visit www.humaneindiana.org/donate

For more information about events including the Festival of Owls, visit www.humaneindiana.org/events, or keep up with all the latest at Humane Indiana by following @humaneindiana on Facebook.

###

The mission of Humane Indiana is protecting pets, preserving wildlife, and supporting a nurturing connection between animals and people. Humane Indiana helps 25,000 injured, orphaned, or homeless animals annually not just shelter and adoption, but also through the low-income veterinary clinic, pet food pantry, homelessness prevention, foster care, and wildlife rehabilitation center. Learn more at www.humaneindiana.org.