Wolf Pups, Grizzly Bears, and River Otters

Jill's Journal: What little kids don’t love animals? Ours are no exception. Madelyn even looks like she’s having a private conversation with a river otter. This charismatic little guy is actually a retired movie star, having been in several movies and commercials. His last movie before retirement was “Evan Almighty” with Morgan Freeman and Steve Carell. He’s far too familiar with humans to return to the wild.

Wildlife Images near Grants Pass rehabilitates wild animals who are too ill, injured, or imprinted by humans to survive in the wild. Their goal is to return each animal to the wild, but about 70 wolves, cougars, birds of prey, and others are not able to survive on their own and are permanent residents. We took a wonderful tour today of the facility.

This 900-pound grizzly bear from Alaska was one of the highlights. Wildlife Images rehabbed him about 20 years ago, but the state of Alaska denied his permit to roam free so he remains in Oregon. He is massive and beautiful and I sure wouldn’t want to come face to face with him without a serious fence between us.

Many of the animals, including this bobcat, get to go on regular walks with their handlers. We saw some wolf pups who go home with Wildlife Images staff every night. They were cute as can be, making it hard to remember they are still wild animals.

Here’s two bald eagles and a turkey buzzard enjoying their habitat. These are all non-flight birds due to previous injuries, but the birds who can fly get out for regular exercise in a large field while attached to a lead rope of sorts. Wildlife Images clearly cares deeply about their charges and beautifully showcases the animals they can't release in an effort to educate the public. We so enjoyed our visit.