OUR MISSION

“Hoo” Haven is dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing sick, injured, and orphaned North American wildlife, and to educating individuals on the importance of conserving Mother Earth to maintain the land, clean and beautiful for all.

WHAT'S NEW

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM 2026

“Hoo” Haven’s 2026 Internship Program is a hands-on opportunity to care for and help rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife right here in our community. Are you dependable, willing to work hard, and truly love animals? If you’re ready to learn, get a little messy, and make a real difference in the lives of creatures who wouldn’t survive without help, we’d love to hear from you.

Visit our 2026 Internship page for more information.

April 16th - Wine Tasting Casino

This year's wine tasting theme is Casino! We will have table games. Taste wine, help the animals, and gamble the evening away!

Want to donate a basket for the event? Text Karen at 815-629-2212 and make arrangements to drop off an enticing basket.

Facebook Event Group

The latest information about events.

Hoo Haven Events

A HANDYMAN TO HELP THE ANIMALS

The buildings and animal enclosures always need a little help. Any handyman skills are appreciated. Call or email Karen and find out if there's a project of ours you could help us with.

karen@hoohaven.org or 815-629-2212

“Hoo”'s New?

Peepers: our new educational wood duck.
Peepers: our new educational wood duck
Dixy and Charley: Our educational pelicans.
Dixy and Charley: Our educational pelicans

Our Very First Bobcat

I always love to study new wildlife when they come in from a hidden area and Honey as I have named her is no different.  (By the way I do not know if it is a boy or girl)

She is very shy and private. She likes to be up high and hides herself in her area a lot.

When she feels comfortable she will stretch out on a shelf.  When you come out for a tour you are unable to see her at least right now as I do not want to stress her.

When we are able to help it gives me a warm fuzzy.  Due to all the permits and licenses required I am glad we are here. 

My favorite saying to all who know me is “we do not own Mother Earth” we simply rent or borrow while we are here.  What we leave behind is our legacy.  There has to be room for all of us since we are supposed to be the smartest.

God Bless to all who support us and all the wildlife we help.

Karen, Director

Honey the bobcat.  she sure has grown

Honey

Our Educational Programs

Learn how you or your children can help heal the Earth and understand our local wildlife.

This is an incredible way to experience and learn about real wildlife while helping Hoo Haven support and heal animals.

We have programs for Hawks and Owls, Pelicans, Eagles, and more.

Visit our Education Page to learn more and book a program.

2018 Eagle Release

Hoo Haven has taken in 85 Bald Eagles and 1 Golden Eagle to date, for rehabilitation.

On Saturday June 16, 2018 at Deer Run Forest Preserve, approximately 350 people attended one of the largest releases of rehabilitated Eagles in Illinois. Three American Bald Eagles were released back into the wild, one 7 to 8 year old adult and two 15 month old juveniles.  Excellent photos and coverage was given by Joseph Zuzevich, WIFR Chanel 23, and the Rockford Register Star. Click on the three links below to see the wonderful photos, videos, and information provided by the above.

A Loon taking advantage of Hoo Havens Aquatic Area.
A Loon taking advantage of Hoo Havens Aquatic Area.