Maritza M.
Google
Heartbreaking Experience – Please Read Before Bringing Any Animal Here - THEY EUTHANIZE and provide the public with incorrect/inaccurate information!
I recommend filtering the reviews to the one stars reviews to read exactly what they do here. They only care for donations not the welfare of the animal!
It’s taken me nearly two months to find the strength to write this.
I want the public to know: yes, this facility DOES EUTHANIZE animals. While they may attempt to rehabilitate some, not all animals are given that chance. It seems to depend on their clinical condition and perceived ability to survive in the wild — but that decision is made quickly, and often without transparency.
A colleague and I rescued what we believed to be an injured duck from a nearby pond. She was weak, dehydrated, and had visible wing deformities. After some research, we discovered she had angel wing syndrome, likely caused by a poor diet from people feeding bread — something all too common at public parks.
We rehabilitated her for a couple days: Despite her condition, she was alert, active, eating well, and even following us around — she had imprinted on us and didn’t want to leave.
When wanting to release her at the park we rescued her from, she wouldn't stop following us, and it was so early in the morning that the parks and recreation wasn't open yet. Concerned for her safety near a busy road, we called the Wetlands and Wildlife Center to ask about her chances for rehabilitation. We called three separate times. Every time, we were told clearly that they do not euthanize animals. Based on that reassurance, we brought her in.
What happened next shattered us.
The moment my colleague handed her over, the intake technician took one glance and said coldly, "She’ll be euthanized." Then she walked away.
He immediately asked for the duck back — and was refused.
We pleaded. We called the Parks and Recreation Department (where the duck had been rescued from), and they offered to help re-release her safely. We informed the Wildlife Center the same day, and again in person the following day. Still, they refused to return her.
Eventually, we spoke main supervisor the same day over the phone and explained the situation, instead we was rude and hung up on us. We went in person the following day and spoke to a male staff member (another supervisor)— who at first would not confirm whether she was still alive. After much insistence, he said he would “check” and later told us, flatly, that she had already been euthanized.
We were devastated.
We thought we had saved her. Instead, we walked her to her death.
They cited "wildlife regulations" as the reason they couldn’t release her back to us, and while we understand the legalities, we cannot understand the lack of compassion — for the animal or for the people trying to help. What’s worse is the misinformation provided by their own staff — misinformation that led directly to this outcome. If we had known the truth, we never would have brought her in.
While they explained to my colleague that federal law prohibits the return of a surrendered duck, it is also the law-and their ethical responsibility-to provide the public with accurate information.
Misrepresenting their policies and the outcomes of surrendered animals is unacceptable and should not be overlooked.
This duck was surviving on her own. We had seen many ducks at that pond living full lives with similar conditions. She deserved a chance.
Please — if you ever find yourself in the position of rescuing a wild animal, think twice before bringing them here. Ask hard questions. Get answers in writing. Or better yet, reach out to a true wildlife sanctuary or find a rehabilitation network with transparency and heart.
We still live with the guilt of thinking we were helping her — when instead, we unknowingly handed her over to be killed.
We will never make that mistake again.
Thank you for reading this <3