About Us
We are a non-profit organization committed to professionally rehabilitate wildlife, to educate the community, and promote the conservation of the natural environment.
Our History
Wild and Free is a non-profit organization based out of Garrison, MN. The organization was started in 1985 by Dr. Debbie Eskedahl in the metro area. In 1990 Dr. Eskedahl relocated to Garrison and opened Garrison Animal Hospital, bringing Wild and Free with her.
While Wild and Free was initially operated out of the Garrison Animal Hospital, in 2004 a separate building was constructed on a nearby 17 acres. This property is now owned entirely by Wild and Free.
Animals from all over MN are brought to Wild and Free for veterinary services and rehabilitation. The organization averages over 600 animals a year, everything from flying squirrels to black bears, hummingbirds to eagles.
Dr. Debbie Eskedahl and Wild & Free Volunteer releasing a young eagle back to the wild.
Many of these animals in the spring are orphaned or abandoned babies. Volunteers can be found feeding great horned owls with a “Mama Owl Puppet” or nursing a baby beaver with an eye dropper. We often care for 20+ fawns in the spring time.
Wild and Free receives no federal or state funds. Programs are supported by membership dues, fundraising and donations, and volunteers.
Our goal is to relieve unnecessary suffering, provide humane treatment, and if possible ensure that every animal has the chance to return back to freedom in the wild.