I have been a volunteer with Wild Instincts since its inception 13 years ago. This facility has grown to become one of Wisconsin's premier Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation and Education Centers. In 2023 Wild Instincts' success rate for releases was 66%, well over the national average of 50%. Wisconsin's beautiful Northwoods is home to a diverse range of wildlife and Wild Instincts helps save them all. I am forever grateful to founders/owners Mark and Sharon for their unfailing and dependable dedication, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Our world is a better place thanks to their expertise and devotion.
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Wild Instincts is my inspiration to help wildlife whenever I can! Their knowledge and dedication is endless! Particularly now with the challenges of the current global pandemic. Whenever I see a wild critter that might possibly be in need, they are there to answer my call. No matter how big or small the issue, they patiently answer my questions and guide me to the best course of action. They are always happy to help even though they are managing a very full rehab facility, and working incredibly long hours. I have called and received assistance with butterflies, bats, robins, deer, and so many more. I know each wild critter is as important to Wild Instincts as the next. They love and want to help them all! I am exceedingly grateful for having this amazing facility right here in Rhinelander. Thank you Mark Naniot, Sharon Larson and Kaitlyn Wickoff for giving so much to our wild community!
Never have I seen people so dedicated to what they do. I usually help out here one day a week, sometimes more. When I leave I am exhausted. They however still have 5 to 6 more hours to go and were there 2 hours before me. They work 7 days a week. 14 or more hours a day. I do not know how they do it. The animal care is first and utmost in their mind. If you are looking for a non-profit to support or donate to this is a great one. They can use your monetary support as they operate solely on donations. I will also say that I have never seen more honest people to see that your donation goes to where it was intended. I may be biased but I would never back anybody I do not trust or believe in. Thank you for any help.
They are fantastic! Every cent they receive goes to helping orphaned and injured wild creatures. I am proud to be from Wisconsin!
I first knew about WILD INSTINCTS after seeing a PBS program about helping release otter pups that they helped until they could be out on their own. Made quite an impression on me. I have been a donor for several years now even though I live in Oregon.
I look forward to their newsletter and cannot believe all they do. And the creatures keep coming and WILD INSTINCTS never stops.
This is the number one animal group I give to. They deserve 5 stars!
I started volunteering for Wild Instincts 5 years ago. I had brought in a Pileated woodpecker that hit our window and I was hooked. The owners, Mark & Sharon, are truly amazing in the passion and knowledge for wildlife they have. Tireless hours are put in day & day out rehabbing injured and orphaned wildlife from tiny mice to bears and hummingbirds to eagles.
The number of animals is also astounding. This year alone they admitted over 1,150 wild animals! This included more than 118 different species!!! And their numbers keep increasing every year. Wild Instincts operates solely on memberships and donations to keep running. So peoples’ generosity is always appreciated in a very big way.
Wild Instincts is an amazing non-profit organization. Check them out and I’m sure you’ll agree with me!
Dawn Berndt
You will not find another Wildlife Rehabilitation center as well managed as Wild Instincts of Rhinelander, WI. The care and dedication of Mark, Sharon, Interns, and the many volunteers is second to none. The love you will find there for wildlife is incredible along with very knowledgeable staff who make a difference in our wildlife that God has provided us with. Without hesitation, I can testify to the dedication of Mark and Sharon along with some others the very long hours that are logged 24/7 with many days being 12-15 plus hours. We are forever indebted to the sacrifices that they make for the rehabilitation of God's amazing creatures. Lucky are we and the wildlife to have them call Rhinelander, WI their home.
I have known about Wild Instincts for a long time but this last year had to turn to them when a rabbit ran in front of my car and I couldn’t avoid it. I drove 2 hours to their facility seeking help. Although they couldn’t save the rabbit I had a chance to see the facility and staff, plus their rescues, up close. Myself, my daughter and my great granddaughter were very impressed with their compassion and knowledge. I also like that a donation to them stays LOCAL.
We in the Northwoods are very fortunate to have such a wonderful facility as Wild Instincts---which they certainly are. Mark Naniot and his wife Sharon have dedicated their lives to the care of orphaned and injured animals with one intention only----to get them back into the wild where they belong, their home. They not only provide the best care but Mark has tried to teach all of us through the programs he has willing offered to adults and children alike, of what can be done to prevent some of their injuries, so that we can all enjoy the beauty and importance of them all.
Wild Instincts is THE best wildlife rehabilitation center in the area. My husband and I have been volunteers since almost the beginning, and our lives have benefited greatly from it. Mark Naniot and Sharon Larson are truly caring, dedicated people who have given so much of themselves to help injured and orphaned wildlife. To be a small part of their cause is very humbling. I have said many times....what would our area do without their expertise and dedication!! I thank them for helping ALL wildlife and giving them a second chance at life.
Wild Instincts helps those who don’t have a voice - our wildlife. What they do is so incredible. They give up everything they have to help animals in need, whether that be orphaned, injured, or sick animals. The job is so demanding and is a 365 day a year job. Every little bit helps them help our wildlife.