Fox Valley Wildlife center hosts open house

The Fox Valley Wildlife Center in Elburn opened its doors Sunday to show the public how it makes squirrels, birds, raccoons and other animals fit for life in the wild once again.

The center's annual open house took place at its building on Route 38. Visitors were allowed to see some of the animals living at the center right now, like Yodi, a coyote, and Summer, a raccoon.

There were also kids activities, a bake sale, and animal demonstrations from center volunteers and staff members.

“This is a good chance for people to see what we do,” said Bonnie Sutton, a volunteer at the center. “Normally, because we're classified as a hospital, we can't let people inside much.”

The wildlife center, a private, not-for-profit organization, takes in animals that need rehabilitation services. Many have been injured in some way — hit by a car, trapped in a fence, attacked by a predator.

The center feeds and generally takes care of the animals, preparing them, ultimately, for release back into the wild.

“We try to give them a second chance,” said Andrea Krueger, a member of the wildlife center's board of directors.

Jason Kelly, of West Chicago, brought his 7-year-old daughter, Shannon, to the open house. “She loves animals, and I figured she'd be interested in a group that takes care of them like this,” he said.

The wildlife center is located at 45W061 Route 38, on the grounds of the Kane County Forest Preserve District. For information, go to foxwildlife.org or call (630) 365-3800.