When animals are brought to the Rehabilitation Hospital here at the Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, our goal is to set the animals free as soon as they are healthy enough to survive on their own in the wild.

Sometimes an animal cannot be set free because of a permanent disability. A permanent disability may prevent an animal from finding food or protecting itself. Severe injuries (such as a broken wing) or birth defects can cause permanent disabilities.

If a person finds and raises a baby animal, the animal cannot be safely released back into the wild. It loses its natural fear of humans and learns to depend on humans for all of its needs. If released into the wild, the animal wouldn’t be able survive on its own. In the case of a mammal, this problem is called habituation. If the animal is a bird, this is called imprinting.

At the Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, we take care of the animals that live in our outdoor Wildlife Compound because they cannot care for themselves. The animals are on display so that visitors to the Refuge can learn about New Jersey wildlife. We hope to encourage an appreciation and respect for the native animals of our state.