Education is a very important part of what Utopia is all about. Unlike many organizations that take a 'show and tell' approach to teach people about wildlife, we bring the 'real' message about the animals and birds that are right here in Indiana.

In an ideal world we would love to be able to rehabilitate every creature that is sick or injured and release them back into the wild where they belong. But it is a tough world out there and you really need to be on your game (no pun intended) to be able to survive. The prey that these animals need to live work hard not to be eaten, and if you cannot catch your food, then you won't be around very long. Sometimes an animal is injured in such a way that it is unable to be released. Often raptors are so intent on prey near traffic that they don't see vehicles approaching as they swoop down across a road. Such an injury can leave a raptor without full use of one wing, or in an owl the impact can damage vision or hearing. The slightest injury can make it difficult for an animal to be able to be all that it can be. So, while these animals couldn't fend for themselves in the wild, they can live a healthy, useful and long life in captivity helping the public to understand how nature works. When an animal is deemed non-releasable, Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators has the necessary State and Federal permits and training, to be able to use it for educational purposes.

It must be stressed that these creatures will always be wild and are never kept as pets. They will never wag their tails, or fly to the door to greet us when we get home (unless we have food), the best we can hope for is a level of trust, we are the bringers of the mice or rats, that is all.

Unfortunately, some people still believe they can keep a wild animal as a pet even though it is in violation of State and Federal laws and there are heavy penalties for doing so. Wild animals take very special care, their nutritional requirements can be very specific, and rehabilitators are still learning how amazing nature is. Virginia Opossums, for example, when nursing their babies change the nutrients in the mother's milk almost daily, and without the correct formula Opossums can get metabolic bone disease almost overnight. We often get animals that people have tried to raise on incorrect diets, and the consequences can be tragic. These animals are frequently poorly socialized, suffer deformities and often die before their time.

We do programs at schools, day camps, wildlife seminars, open house days and other public events. People learn about the animals and their amazing survival abilities, and they get a rare chance to see creatures that might only be seen briefly, at a distance. We bring the message that wild animals often do not need our help, and usually don't want it. They have survived thousands of years on their own and whenever humans get involved, the animals suffer. We cut down their trees, run them down with our cars, build cities on their territory and kidnap them from their families. This is why we are here, to help undo some of the damage, to try and heal what we hurt and educate those that will make decisions that affect wildlife in the future.

And now for the advertisement......

As a not-for-profit, Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators relies on donations and grants for veterinary care, buildings and food for all of its hungry animals. Part of this expense is offset by speakers fees generated from these programs.

If you would like us to put on a program for your organization please do not hesitate to contact us.

WE LOVE TO TALK ABOUT WILDLIFE!