I found a very injured, but lively and responsive, squirrel in a public park in Manhattan. 311 directed me to the Wild Bird Fund as a potential option for vet care, but I did have to physically catch the squirrel on my own. I was able to transport him down there and the handoff was easy; they think he may have been attacked by a hawk or falcon. Either way, I deeply appreciate this organization! read more

Wild Bird Fund - Squirrel - Animal Shelters Near Me - New York, New York

Do not take pigeons here unless you are certain that nothing can be done to save the bird. DO NOT drop off with any expectation other than euthanasia. This is a place that accepts all birds, but does not TREAT all birds. They do not treat pigeons​. They have many times misled people who believed they were helping a pigeon that they turned over to the WBF, only to be devastated to find out nothing was done to help the bird at all. Even worse, you can clearly communicate on the form you fill out and verbally that you will take the bird if not releasable and there will be no communication initiated by the WBF. When you call or go in to follow up? "Bird was euthanized." It really looks like the WBF is on a mission to euthanize any pigeons brought to them without honestly communicating, " We do not treat pigeons but we will euthanize if you bring the bird to us." This is the place to bring a wild bird other than pigeons. The process is that you take the bird, fill out the form, and leave the bird. There is no fee. read more

This is really the only place that accepts injured birds in the area. Although I don't agree with the ease at which they consider euthanasia, they do more than any of us can and don't require a fee for giving up an animal. They do good work & have a solid structure with physical therapy & rehabilitation, refamiliarization with the outdoors (aviary), and then local release. read more

Wild Bird Fund - entrance - Animal Shelters Near Me - New York, New York

See all

The Wild Bird Fun is terrific. I have brought many injured birds here and the staff are always very kind and helpful. Thank you and all the animals thank you too. read more

Wild Bird Fund has completely changed my life. And I'm not overdoing it with that statement. First and foremost, the ability to help our fellow mini New Yorkers. Then I have become a more knowledgeable & thoughtful individual. To the people I've met here-absolute saints on Earth. I encourage absolutely everyone to become members, see if they can volunteer. You will completely pay attention to the natural world in a new way. read more

After reading these reviews, I too believe the animal I brought in was victim to unnecessary euthanasia. I brought a little "warbler" in several weeks ago because several pedestrians were saying something looked wrong with its leg and it wasn't moving. When I brought it to Wild Bird Fund, the woman there had assured me that the bird would be fine - it could have been just resting, or it was subject to a window crash. However, I doubted the window crash because I had found it on a sidewalk near Seaport downtown. I also found it odd that they kept me waiting and then had given me a "tour" of their facility, then asked me for a tip. They single you out - so I felt uncomfortable id I didn't tip. I regret it! I left being told that I would be kept updated and in the loop I then went on their Instagram and saw my warbler featured as a window crash victim that they "saved", but then they didn't get back to me at all after a week. I finally emailed them asking what happened, no response. I had to email them twice to find out that the bird had died? Very suspicious read more

I really love this place .. thanks for taking care of the birds and animals we bring you guys and girls. read more

Wild Bird Fund - Very cool turtle tank - Animal Shelters Near Me - New York, New York

I do not think some people realize the purpose of rehab is to release animals back (to have a quality of life) into their natural environment. This is not a sanctuary. Or a vet. This place gets calls from all over NY state and beyond. They treat hundreds of pigeons (that are treatable and can be released) as well as other types of birds. I just got my rehab license inspired by these people who prob get paid very little to treat birds from all five boroughs and beyond. Sometimes over 100 patients come in a day. I have brought birds in knowing that (because of their condition) they would be put down-and there is no charge (unlike a poisoned rat no one would euthanize for me even when i would pay) It's sad. Totally. But if you have never seen the inner volume, then you really don't know how much work these people do. Possums. Squirrels. Swans. Ducks. Geese. They are open 365 days. Trust me. This is not a euthanasia machine. I can't imagine what it's like to have to put an animal down when you are an animal lover as many people on this thread are. read more

On one of our walks with our rescue pup Cleo, Jennifer and I came across a small chicken with malformed feet from being held in a shoe box cage it's entire life. She must have escaped slaughter or jumped off one of the halal trucks and we found her as she was shivering in a pile of snow, pecking away at road salt obviously starving and afraid. Bending over with a glove (to prevent infection) she allowed me to hold her, pet her and was an incredibly sweet, affectionate and loving creature. It's a shame what humans do to animals in the name of their taste buds. Anyhow, we immediately took her home, fed her oats and water and warmed her up before taking her to the Wild Bird Fund. I had passed by several times, heard multiple accounts from fellow vegans about taking injured pigeons and other birds here for free rehab and placement but had never gone in. When I walked in there was a flurry of movement! Beautiful beings that were once injured or are currently on their way to recovery flocked the floors and flooded staff and visitors with love and entertainment as they waddled around shaking their little booties or brushing up against your legs. The staff was very friendly and you could tell every one of them is there because it is where they want to be and what they want to do. We dropped off the baby chicken, henceforth known as "Arthur" as per Jenn, and made a donation. The staff will provide care and rehab, surgery if needed for her feet, and then place her in a sanctuary. Go vegan; Save the planet; Save lives. ;) read more

Wild Bird Fund - Arthur the chicken we rescued on the streets of Harlem - Animal Shelters Near Me - New York, New York

See all

I love this place so much! Rita and her staff are amazing. I brought in a pigeon once with a broken wing and Rita made him a little splint and sent me email updates on his care. I can't tell you how many countless times they've helped me when I've called or brought in injured wild life. They do have policies and you do have to follow them - but they know what they're taking about folks. These are the experts. Before them we were lost! You couldn't find a good wild life rehabilitation facility!!! Every time I'm in the neighborhood I pass by and look at their beautiful window where they have rescued feathered friends living the high life. I work two jobs but as soon as I retire I will be spending my time volunteering. They're priceless read more

This place unnecessarily euthanizes birds (presuming more so with common birds). I found an injured pigeon with a missing tail and fractured leg. I cared for him for a few days and he was quite energized with a strong appetite but decided to take him to the WBF as I thought he would be miserable living in a box for a month while the tail grows back. Prior to my arrival, WBF encouraged me to bring him in and assured me that they would care for him with such injuries. When I brought him in, a dismissive and rude old blondish woman aggressively took the bag, without a proper discussion or a sign of compassion. I was concerned and suggested that I care of him, but she said they can't return the bird to me once in their possession. Of course, when I followed up several days later, they informed me that the pigeon was euthanized as the fracture was close to the joint and is more difficult to heal (it wasn't even broken!). I then spoke to an independent vet, and they confirmed that this type of fracture would heal successfully with a cast. I rehabilitated several birds and have grown quite attached to this one. Be ware and make an informed decision. read more

Wild Bird Fund - RIP sweet bird - Animal Shelters Near Me - New York, New York

Last night while walking my geriatric chihuahua, I came upon an injured sparrow. I imlordyatelh knew it was injured because, she (pretty sure she's female) kept trying to fly and mid-flight would sink to the ground. A passing animal lover told me about Wild Bird Fund, which miraculously is a 5-min walk away from me! He called them up and left my info on their voicemail and I carried the sweet girl home to rest in a box with a towel. By morning, she was dying to be free and I knew they opened at 8am, so soon as I got up, I was walking the girl over. The volunteer who helped me was so kind and I brought along a donation as I'd read that they are volunteer based, and filled out a form stating my address, where I found her, what my observations were. While the person assisting me went over my paperwork and got me a donation receipt, I said hello to the sweet chickens and shy ducks and seagulls, it made my day! I was told to check back in a week to see how she's doing. I felt so comforted leaving her with such compassionate, and caring people. Such a gift to have this organization nearby. read more

I have to agree with some of the reviewers that they like to euthanize common animals like pigeons. I brought in a pigeon that I found. It was not laying anywhere on the road. The bird was huddled near a bldg. It was standing upright on its legs, clean-looking, and will walk if you give it a nudge. I picked it up and noticed a little dried blood stain on 1 spot underneath. When I brought it in, I was not allowed to enter the facility. I was so happy to have saved the pigeon but left feeling strange when the intaker gave me a pessimistic look of doom/ gloom, even before the bird was properly examined. My heart sank when I found out that this bird, who had a great chance of recovery from what looks to me like a minor injury, was euthanized by this awful place. It seems they like to give a blanket excuse from what another reviewer has stated. They claim that the bird was likely hit by a car or vehicle, and has a broken bone and that the bird isn't worth saving because it won't heal properly. From my observations, and my gut feeling, I truly believe this wasn't the case, and that the beautiful pigeon would still be alive if just given proper attention and care. Furthermore, you would think that with all the money that they must be receiving, you would think that they could provide rehab and follow-up to help the bird heal, if what they claim is true. Maybe they would save an exotic high-profile animal, but, in my opinion, I doubt they will do same for other animals, unless it's for show and donations. read more

We found a baby sparrow that fell of the nest. We kept him for a week and nurtured him. He started flying a little. We went their in person and asked them when should we release him. They said we should bring him there so they release him with the others. When we brought him there I asked the lady is it possible that the mom felt that he is week and purposely throw him out the best and she said yes and she said they are not like humans but we nurture them here. So we gave the bird to them. A week later we went to check on him and they said that they euthanized the baby sparrow because they determined that he won't make it on his own. They didn't even bother to nurture him and let him die on his own. They didn't even ask us if we are willing to nurture him. Nothing. They euthanized him the day that we brought him in. They didn't give him a couple of days to see if it grows. With us he was eating, worms, seeds and growing. It is really upsetting. This organization exists to just get money. Yes they feel warm when you walk in. They showed us all these pigeons that they keep there because they won't survive about there. I don't understand why they didn't extend the same thing for two, three days for this little baby. Yes he might not survive but he wasn't sick and wasn't carrying any disease. Why not ask us if we were willing to nurture him. For one week we took him to work and fed him. He was flying around in my office. There is nothing human about what happened. I bet you if ask all these people that wrote comments if they went back to see the sparrow none of them will find them alive. Apparently they euthanize all sparrows. If I had read these reviews I would never consider them read more

I started volunteering here and everyone including the staff is super nice and truly cares about the birds! I've read some reviews about euthanasia and based on what I've seen about the different conditions I've seen of the birds, I really do feel like they try to avoid that as an option, or the bird must be really sick to do so, because if a bird is injured they do physical therapy, and if they're sick they give them medicine/antibiotics, and help feed them! And they give them each names, and adapt to each ones needs so it truly must be a last resort in cases of euthanasia I believe. read more

The NICEST people work here. I'm from out of town and found an injured sparrow in Times Square. He had a broken wing and I managed to catch him in a paper bag and bring him in. They took him right away and said they would fix him up and release him when he's recovered. So thankful a place like this exists!!! read more

I love this place! I found a very weak baby bird and brought him in and was amazed at how many animals they care for. I don't even know how the wonderful staff keeps up but you can see how much they all love what they do. They responded very quickly to several emails I sent to check up on the bird and even called me to let me know that he had been released in Central Park. So thoughtful of them! read more

See all

Full disclosure: I am a NYS licensed Class II wildlife rehabilitator (this means I can teach and supervise other rehabilitators). I have familiarity both with the problems of avian rehab in NYC and with the Wild Bird Fund. Recent experience tells me that the Wild Bird Fund, as it is now, should not be considered a good resource for helping wild birds in distress. Current staff apparently does not comprehend -- or has not been trained in -- standard care. As an example: A pigeon juvenile with what appeared to be a broken wing was retrieved and taken to Wild Bird Fund (as a last resort; other rehab options were not available). The WBF staffer, identified as Jane, weighed the bird and determined it was underweight. This is not uncommon in juveniles, and was probably exacerbated by the bird's injury keeping it from getting around. As is commonly the case, the bird was dehydrated. However, excretion had continued, suggesting that vital systems were functional. Treatment consisted in giving fluids subcutaneously; this was a correct first step, according to standard procedure. The bird was given an NSAID for pain and its wing was set -- again, standard procedure. However, Jane then proceeded to tube-feed the bird. This is a stressful process of slipping a thin tube down the bird's throat -- in an already stressed bird. Liquid bird-baby food was given -- how much was not clear in the report passed to me, but gavage immediately on top of hydration is NOT standard procedure, is stressful and leaves the bird vulnerable. This bird was then sent home with its finder -- appropriate, as the finder was willing and could give proper care. BUT, having been recently tube-fed, the bird was liable to upchucking, which could result in aspirating regurgiated formula, leading to a form of effective prolonged strangulation. Sending the bird out immediately after tube-feeding would exacerbate the chances of this happening. This young pigeon -- its rescuer had named it Floppy -- died soon after returning home. The rescuer was heartbroken. What's the point here? First, Jane pushed the treatment too fast. The standard is to hydrate, then allow time before introducing simple foods. Jane elected to tube-feed when that was not clearly necessary. Floppy was capable of eating on his own (and did so), or could have been given softened pellets (larger bird pellets or puppy kibble softened in warm water would have been a proper initial diet, with seed and water offered along side). Tube-feeding is hard to do well, always entails risk to the bird. Jane sent the bird out with a full, possibly over-full crop full of liquid, thus risking aspiration pneumonia, which is inevitably a long, hard death. Would Floppy have died anyway? Hard to say. But it is clear that poor treatment, resulting from poor training did not increase Floppy's chances. Note in passing how many of the other reviews end with something like sadly-the-bird-died or sadly-the-bird-was-put-down ("euthanized" is a euphemism that does not really express what is going on in most cases). The Wild Bird Fund is a busy place because it has made itself the public face of wildlife, especially avian, rehabilitation in New York City. This should be a good thing. I know a number of the avian wildlife rehabilitators in the city -- there aren't many of them and most are overworked to the point of burnout. Sadly, WBF has taken on more than it can handle. Many of its staff are indifferently trained and not actively supervised by some of the very good people who used to work with WBF, but have since left due to management problems. What is truly bothersome: I know of no way to solve the problems there; current leadership has resisted all calls for change. read more

I know the Wild Bird Fund does incredible things, and its very fortunate they exist. However, this organisation REALLY needs to have an option to speak with staff when you call. My inability to reach a human being at WBF, rather than the robot phone menu meant I wasn't able to get an injured woodcock the help it needed last Friday. I had been carrying it and was a block away from WBF when it started jabbing me with its beak and trying to fly (it couldn't, its wing and leg were injured). I needed help but my inability to reach anyone (especially given I was a block away) meant I ultimately lost control of the bird and wasn't able to help it. read more

These people are saints and that's all there is to it. My husband and I found a newborn baby bird lying helpless on the sidewalk and took him in for the night until we could get him to someone who was really equipped to take care of him. We were aghast when multiple vet's offices told us not to bother and to put him back where we found him! (Do I want the weight of abandoning a two to three-day-old baby bird on a high traffic sidewalk on my conscience? No thanks.) Thankfully the Wild Bird Fund was open and ready to take him in and get him started on a special feeding diet. Even if he doesn't make it, I'm so grateful to the kind, compassionate staff for giving him the best chance at life. They are doing great work here and I will definitely try to donate to them in the future. read more

Last week, I brought a wounded, sick, and very weak pet squirrel to the clinic. He was also missing top teeth and was unable to eat food himself. THEY LOST him, while transporting him right across the street to the Vet's office for an X-ray! They failed to take care of the squirrel: 1. The staff did not secure the cage. 2. The staff did not follow and looked for him once the pet was loose. 3. They were no actions taken by them. 4.The staff did not notify us about the incident. 5 We were only told about it after 22 hours. 6.They lost the paper work, submitted by us while checking in the day before. 7. It took me more than three hours to find any kind of info about my pet. No one knew any info about the squirrel, they had no idea that there was one admitted to the clinic the day before, which reflects how disorganized the place is. THEY HAVE EXUDED VERY POOR SKILLS IN RESPONDING AND RESOLVING THE INCIDENT. They also did not start treating him for couple hours, only started attending him late afternoon, however, I brought him in at 8:30 AM. Given what had happened, I do not believe they care about animals or birds, this clinic is more of al distraction than a rescue place! This is the second time they screwed up! read more

We found an injured wild bird on the side of the road and knew it needed care. Called our neighborhood pet supply Whiskers, who directed us to Wild Bird Fund. We got the bird in a box and cabbed over. The shelter was cozy and clean, and the volunteers were so very friendly. They had us fill out a quick form with information about us and where we found the bird, and gently asked for a donation to the Fund, then one of the volunteers took a look at the bird. Unfortunately the poor bird was too injured to survive much longer, and the volunteer assured us that they would humanely put the bird to rest. What could have been traumatic for all involved was instead positive, supportive, and friendly. Although I'm sad about the reason I found them, I'm glad to know that there's such a welcoming organization taking care of the city's winged wildlife. read more

Fabulous place. We are so lucky it is exists in the city. A wonderful resource! Brought a bird here I found in the park yesterday and they took it in and will rehabilitate it and bring it to a sanctuary. Thank you!!! The people who work/volunteer here are very open and friendly. Definitely come here if you find a bird that needs help. read more

Amazing people! Fabulous resource! We found a pigeon that couldn't use its legs. Can't bear to see an animal suffer, so I did a google search for rescues and found a link to this place. Drove an hour in heavy traffic from Queens. I was welcomed immediately upon entering by very friendly staff. After filling out some brief paperwork a rehabber examined the bird and found nothing broken. It was possibly a spinal injury or lead poisoning. Sadly, it was a spinal injury that the bird would not recover from and the pigeon was humanely euthanized. I cannot explain just how caring, compassionate and dedicated these people are. They thanked ME for bringing in the bird. I am so glad to have found them and will highly recommend. I only wish I had gotten the names of the people who helped me. Note that they do politely ask for a donation because they are funded solely by donations. The Wild Bird Fund does amazing work and is more than worthy of your support. My experience with them was well worth the 3 hour round trip due to horrendous traffic (due to extensive Manhattan construction). I would not hesitate to do it all over again if I had to. read more

Thank the Gods for this place! They help all the little creatures of the City that end up hurt or homeless. The ones no one else cares about... read more

The only place that would help me with an injured bird that I found in nyc, please donate to help fund this place as theyre truly amazing.

We found a sparrow that had fallen out of its nest. It was sitting in traffic and there was no way it would have survived if we hadn't picked it up. We took care of it by feeding it worms and bird seed for almost 2 weeks. The bird learned to forage and was beginning to fly. We called the sanctuary and were encouraged to bring it to the sanctuary rather than to release it when it was healthy. When we checked back a week later, the sanctuary told us it had euthanized the bird because they said it couldn't live in the wild. This place is terrible. They should have called us to ask if we wanted to raise it. We would have been happy to have kept it. We thought we were doing the right thing by bringing it to the sanctuary, instead we delivered it to its death. So sad. This place is not helping birds. read more

Who Ya Gonna Call? Wild Bird Fund! Few people would choose to make a life doing anything as costly, intellectual and skills demanding, licensing and paperwork intensive, stressful and potentially and frequently heartbreaking-- as wild animal rescue. (If you are ever interested in it, look up the Wildlife Rehab requirments- and take even JUST the assistant test....) BY LAW- wild bird and animal rehab is 100% volunteer. So every animal accepted, the rescuer agrees to bear all it's veterinary, housing, rehab and safe release and specific inspection learning and licensing costs. There IS NO 'state agency that does that' It's all Volunteers who go through rigorous years of training and licensing and inspection, JUST for the love of wild birds and animals- or it's nobody. I've known Wild Bird Fund for many years. Before Wild Bird Fund (they also take other wildlife)- if you found a sick or injured bird or animal in NYC, (from a pidgeon, to a possum, to a hawk, to a baby squirrel...) you had to either do your best ad-hoc, find a caring vet who would help you (pro bono, or at a cost of veterinary care)- leaving thousand and thousands of NYC's wild birds and animals stranded- because, how many of us can stop everything to 'take home' a goose or horned owl, with no skills or suitable housing, to our un-rehab-authorized homes, and how many of us have funds to get veterinary care and longer term rehab housing for - any random baby squirrel or pidgeon or non-pet-species critter one stumbles across in the Big Apple?) Wild Bird Fund- said "We will do that. We will help NYC's wild birds and animals." They are dedicated to being there for us, for anyone who finds an injured non-domestic animal of any kind anywhere in the city. They work with and are beloved and respected by rescue groups (eg Audobon, etc) beyond NYC, when skills or release help is needed. They do their best to take on any animal anyone comes to them with, and when possible, will try to get to you and help pick up an injured bird or animal if you cannot, or work with the wider network of regional volunteer wildlife rescue to help. Many thousands of NYC's animals, and many thousands of kind New Yorkers-- who can't afford a vet, can't do rescue etc (that's most of us all) - and you could be next if an injured animal crosses your path in NYC-- rely on Wild Bird Fund their tireless dedicated volunteers, as the only and best for the city's injured or ill creatures. When you wonder what 'city agency' takes on WILD, non-domestic animals, where do you bring THEM, for help? There is no city, state or federal animal rescue. In NYC? There is Wild Bird Fund, no charge, not for profit, and their volunteer staff- here to help thousands and thousands of New Yorkers and the wild animals in need that they find and want to help. WBF doesn't JUST help animals. They help New Yokers, who can't just 'walk by' the city's injured wildlife. read more

This place makes me love New York City. Rita and her crew welcome every creature (human, feathered, furred) to their rescue center. I have brought in many a feathered friend in various states of disarray and they have helped nurture them back to nature. Very appreciated! read more

If I could list negative stars I would. I had the MOST HORRIFIC experience with this organization today and would caution and beg anyone to reconsider before entrusting them with any animal in need. I found a precious Sparrow with a broken leg just outside my door this morning and was lucky enough to be able to coax it into a shoebox and called my veterinarian asking what the best thing to do would be to help him. My veterinarian unfortunately referred me to this organization. I took the sweet Sparrow in the shoebox in a taxi up to the Upper West side and walked into an incredibly unfriendly group of people. I spoke to the woman working behind the desk and told her about the Sparrow's condition, saying explicitly that he had a broken leg but that his wings appeared to be in working order. I also offered to house him and care for him if that was needed as I had grown quite attached to this sweet little being and they were clearly overloaded with birds all over. She quickly told me they would be taking him and she grabbed the shoebox that I had been protecting and took it immediately to the side to OPEN IT. They are BIRDS and birds fly and she OPENED THE BOX and of course the Sparrow quickly flew away as any bird in that state would. The Sparrow flew into a room with a wide open door that SHOULD have been closed and into the water with a Seagull who then drowned the poor little Sparrow while this foolish woman who opened the box stood there looking for where the Sparrow might have landed. I took my time and care to protect this little beast who was drowned and gone within three minutes of this terrifying women snagging the shoebox with him in it from my clutches. I wish I had never gone here. I basically brought on this little Sparrow's death within minutes of walking in the door to a woman who sealed his fate by FOOLISHLY opening a box with a flying being inside and then was SURPRISED he flew. It was even more upsetting that she stood there looking for him while a Seagull drowned him to his death literally steps from her. I would NEVER take any animal I was trying to rescue to these people. They treated the sweet Sparrow I found terribly and had no remorse when I left in tears after committing such effort and care to saving him. Get your act together Wild Bird Fund!!!! Your behavior today was a disgrace and I wish I NEVER heard of you!!!! read more

I had read about this wonderful organization and their new storefront/wildlife rehab space and decided that I must go to their open house. Just as expected, they have a terrific facility and the work they do is amazing! I got a complete tour of the place, which even includes a hydrotherapy space, which was happily in use by two ducks while I was there. One might not think of a huge city having a lot of wildlife, but this thought could not be further from the truth! If you ever find an injured bird or other wildlife, now you have somewhere to take it, or they can help you find the appropriate person whether it's a pigeon or an owl or a squirrel. After all, we all share this great city. How awesome is that? Please note that as a non-profit, they always need volunteers and donations. Be sure to check it out and offer support to a wonderful local cause. read more

The pigeon was lying upside down in the bike lane, with its neck twisted back and its wing bent up in an alarming position. I was really shocked, and hoped it was dead, because if I had to pick it up I would probably hurt it a lot. But when I looked closely, it was still breathing. I brought it to Wild Bird Fund, hoping they were open so early in the morning. I was greeted by a kind, friendly, professional young woman named Mayra, who immediately examined my bird's wings and told me that they were not broken (what a relief!). She thought the issue might be lead poisoning, or perhaps a neurological problem. A day later, I heard from WBF and was told that the bird indeed had a high level of lead poisoning, but was expected to recover. Without help my pigeon would have suffered and died. Thank you, Wild Bird Fund! Ali Taylor, January 25, 2016 read more

Can you give zero stars? This place deserves ZERO stars. I cannot express my utter disappointment in this organization. I have an emergency situation and am told that this is my only real resource--even though it is clear after reading these reviews that you only bring an animal in to be euthanized. I needed help long before 1:00pm on Saturday and when I finally received a response it was utterly unhelpful. My further communication with them was also unhelpful and demeaning, on top if it. If I am reaching out to them, I am clearly concerned and compassionate, however their response indicated that I was not doing enough. I am truly disappointed, and ANGRY, and do not understand ANY positive reviews. read more

This place is full of awesome people doing awesome work! The staff here are hardworking, competent people who provide excellent care for every animal that walks through the door. New York City is lucky to have a center like this! read more

In the past few years, I've brought in 2 injured pigeons. Both were clearly in distress. Sadly both could not be saved (1 had a broken back, the other a fatal disease). But although the staff was a bit gruff initially, they were very caring and informative once they saw the birds. I can't bear seeing animals suffer needlessly. I'm very grateful that there is a group that will attend to NYC wild birds! read more

I brought a fledgling pigeon to the Wild Bird Fund when it lost track of his parents and was basically starving to death in my air shaft. They checked him out and gave him a home with another orphaned pigeon until he was well enough to be set free. We need more places like this. Donations are optional but of course I donated. read more

On Saturday afternoon, a baby pigeon was walking alone on the streets of Queens. My friends and I looked after it while we searched for compassionate and experienced help. We found some places through an Internet search. We called the first Google result, which was Wild Bird Fund; We called and left a message in the voice mailbox. Three places we called were closed or just about to close and far away. I was ready to take it home to try to give it care when a kind doctor returned a call from one of these places. The shelter he works for was not open, so he advised us over the phone on how to keep it warm and fed. My friend and I were in the car to drive over to a nearby pet store to look for avian formula when I checked my phone and saw a missed call and voicemail. It was from Wild Bird Fund. I called back because the voicemail was garbled and staticy, and received confirmation that they were open and would take the bird. We drove in from Queens and we were greeted warmly and with smiles. We were given a short form to fill out and they were willing to answer questions we had. I was unable to stay long enough to see them feed the bird. The reality is sad that not many helpless birds survive. "Walken" is the name we gave it. It seems to be healthy, but it's a long and unsure future for it. Yet I have hope because of Wild Bird Fund. I'm glad this place exists or else the bird would have had to travel to Staten Island and wait until Monday to see a Wildlife Rehabilitator. My heart goes out to these compassionate and dedicated people. Thank you Wild Bird Fund! read more

I called at around 8pm on a Monday. I was called back at 8:23 by a very helpful staff member who was on vacation in Ohio with specific instructions as to how to care for the bird over night. This is almost entirely volunteer run, not getting an instant response is very understandable. I brought in a Robin with a damaged wing. The team quickly investigated the injury, took it to be with other young Robins and they immediately set to rehydrating it. A few comments on the 1 star reviews here. 1) The Wild Bird Fund is apparently not great at handling squirrels. That's good to know but probably not that surprising to most people. 2) They may not be all that great at giving updates once you've dropped off a bird. There are something like 100 volunteers who cycle through the place every year. The fact that their record keeping isn't perfect isn't shocking. It doesn't seem particularly important to them to keep track that Bird A was brought in by Person B. Their job is to make the birds healthy, not report back to me and make me feel good that the bird I brought in is getting better. In short, if you have a wild mammal, or are insistent on getting updates on the health of the particular bird you brought in, maybe don't bring it here. But if you have an injured wild bird, they're the only people in NYC who will provide treatment. The rehabilitator I interacted with was extremely professional, seemed knowledgeable and carrying. Really glad the organization is in our city. read more

I brought a starving, orphaned baby pigeon to Wild Bird Fund. Staff quickly tended to her needs and gave kind and competent care. Now she is in a warm incubator with her new baby pigeon friends and steadily gaining back her weight. Wonderful place!! read more

This is the only in place in town that will care for sick and injured wild life. They have mini lab to test for parasites and led poisoning. They have an tank so injured water fowl can therapeutically swim. And everyone brings creatures to them, loads of them. The type that no one else will take and they never say no. The place has permanent staff plus a huge array of volunteers; very few folks get paid; it is a labor of love and these folks work very hard. The birds I have brought there have been well cared for then released, but ultimately it was relief knowing someone would help these animals no one else wants to help. As they get bigger they are getting better at handling the paperwork and follow up that comes with being a free clinic for New York's wild but injured animals. It is NOT a place to bring a "pet", that is what Veterinarians are for, and they can't always provide you an update because they are so busy. they are NOT a business; they are a charity that works on donations with mostly volunteers. Thank heaven they are here. read more