Lion’s Den Wildlife Rehabilitation
Michigan Based, Fully Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitation.
"For all the animals of the forest are Mine [says the Lord], and I own the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird on the mountains,
and all the animals of the field are Mine."
Psalm 50:10-11 (NLT)
The Lion's Den provides rescuers with a place to bring wild creatures in crisis, if we can take them, or provides referrals to other rehabbers, if that’s what is best for the animal. (We recently moved, so we have some prep work to do this season to get up and running in our new location.) The goal is always to rehab and release those animals back into the wild as soon as they are ready and able.
As a Christian, I believe that although you and I are incredibly important to God our Creator, He also created each of the animals and cares about them all. Because our Creator cares for the animals, I care. Thank you for caring, too.
- Trish
Education & Resources
Who runs Lion’s Den Rehabbing?
Lion’s Den is owned and operated by Trish Ann, a fully licensed, born-and-raised Michigander. To find out more about Trish & her new book Raccoon Gangs, Pigeons Gone Bad, and Other Animal Adventures: A Wildlife Rehabber's Tale of Birds and Beasts, click the link below.
Is it not better to let “nature take its course”?
Sometimes it is best to let nature take its course, and as a rehabber sometimes that's what I tell people to do, especially where human safety is a factor. Other times, an animal can really use human help and compassion. That brings up the whole debate about “whether to rehab or not to rehab." I have found that there are two main camps: the "always intervene" camp and the "never interfere" camp. The ideal is somewhere in the middle, depending on the crisis the animal faces. Ideally, call a rehabber and talk over whatever situation has come up with a wild animal, and together we'll figure out the best course of action.
What do I do about nuisance wildlife?
People usually think of these options: call a wildlife rehabilitator, call the DNR (state agency), call an animal removal company, or try to remove (or kill) animals themselves. As a rehabber, of course, I think the best option is a humane one. We rehabbers don't come out and remove nuisance animals; we don't have the time or staffing, and there would be a zillion calls. But we do know of some "humane eviction" methods you can try as a first step. You can find more information here http://urbanwildliferescue.org, and you can google "humane wild animal eviction" for more such sites. One of those ideas may provide you with a good solution.
How can I find help?
STATE: For Michigan, visit this DNR link for rehabbers county by county: https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/dlr/
NATIONAL: Visit Animal Help Now, https://ahnow.org/#/
How do I become licensed?
Every state has different requirements for a license, and some forms of rehab (for example rehabbing songbirds and raptors) require a federal license as well. If you are a Michigander like me, check here for more info: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_82777-239608--,00.html. If you are in another state, google that state's requirements. Also, try to get some experience and mentoring by working with a licensed rehabber near you. Most are very willing to help you get started!