The Greatest Gift Is Freedom!
Few moments are more rewarding than watching a rehabilitated wild animal return to its natural home. This month, Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation celebrated one of those unforgettable milestones as London, a bald eagle, was successfully released back into the wild after months of intensive care.
London arrived at MWR suffering from lead poisoning and significant wing injuries. His recovery required countless hours of specialized treatment, rehabilitation, and careful monitoring. Thanks to the dedication of our wildlife care team and the expertise of numerous supporters, London regained the strength and ability needed to soar once again.
Releasing a bald eagle is always extraordinary, but doing so in the middle of baby bird season—when our team is simultaneously caring for hundreds of orphaned and injured young birds—makes the accomplishment even more meaningful. It is a powerful reminder that wildlife rehabilitation is truly a community effort.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Wildlife Director Stephanie Hogan, whose unwavering determination and commitment gave London every opportunity to recover. Thank you to Dr. Md Sonia Alvarez for her guidance in wound care, Dr. Alise Mitchell, DVM, and Dr. Huey, DVM, of Memphis Veterinary Specialists, for her expertise in ophthalmology and eye care. We also thank Penny Gallenbeck, Joanna Schendel Haynes, Stephanie Brock Allen, Jonathan Patrick, Theresa Hissong, and Jamie Lewis. Their combined knowledge, compassion, and teamwork made this successful release possible.
Most importantly, thank you to our donors, volunteers, and supporters. Your generosity makes stories like London’s possible. Every donation, every volunteer hour, and every word of encouragement helps give injured and orphaned wildlife the greatest gift of all—freedom.
Check out pictures of London’s care and release HERE
Adventure, Discovery & Wildlife! Learning Comes Alive at Nature Explorers Camp 2026
Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation’s annual Nature Explorers Summer Camp was another tremendous success, providing young nature enthusiasts with an exciting week of hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, and unforgettable wildlife experiences.
Throughout the week, campers explored a different area of the natural world each day. They discovered the importance of native plants while hiking the ARK Trails, learned about monarch butterflies and other arthropods, met live reptiles and amphibians, observed birds in the wild using binoculars, and wrapped up the week by studying mammals through tracks, scat, skulls, and other fascinating adaptations. Daily activities included interactive games, nature crafts, wildlife encounters with MWR’s ambassador animals, and take-home projects that reinforced each day’s lessons.
The camp was made possible through the dedication of numerous staff members, volunteers, guest presenters, and community partners. We extend our sincere appreciation to Habitat Harry; MS Master Gardeners Reba Wright and Karri McNeil; MWR Executive Director Mykl Wallrath; and MWR Board Member Kate Friedman for sharing their knowledge and passion with our campers. Special thanks also go to volunteers Lauren Schwartz Van, Leah Steen, Lauren Lee, and Mason Ray for helping create a safe, fun, and engaging experience throughout the week. We are especially grateful to Lauren Schwartz Van for planning and organizing this year’s camp.
We also thank our generous lunch sponsors—Chick-fil-A Southaven, Domino’s Pizza Hernando, Jason’s Deli Memphis, and Taco Bell Hernando—for keeping our campers fueled for each day’s adventures.
Most importantly, thank you to the campers and their families for making this year’s Nature Explorers Summer Camp such a memorable experience. Watching the next generation develop a deeper appreciation for wildlife and conservation is one of the most rewarding parts of our mission, and we look forward to welcoming even more young explorers next summer.
Catch all the highlights from each exciting day of Nature Explorers Summer Camp 2026! From hiking the trails and meeting amazing wildlife to hands-on activities and unforgettable discoveries, our daily recaps are packed with photos and stories from an incredible week.
🌿 Day 1 – Plants
🦋 Day 2 – Arthropods
🐍 Day 3 – Reptiles & Amphibians
🦉 Day 4 – Birds
🦌 Day 5 – Mammals
Take a look and experience the adventure through the eyes of our young explorers!
🏥 Wildlife Hospital – By the Numbers
In June we admitted more than 200 new patients, representing 49 bird and 2 reptile species. So far this year, we have cared for over 800 total patients.
Check out this patient highlight from June:
If you come across a wild bird or reptile in distress, please do not attempt to care for it yourself. Improper handling or feeding can do more harm than good and may violate federal or state wildlife laws. Please reach out to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
📞 Call our wildlife hotline: 662-612-6455
🗺️ Need a rehabilitator near you? Use this rehabber MAP
💙 Donor Thank You
💚 Thank You for Supporting MWR
We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation (MWR) in June, whether through monthly giving, one-time donations, or purchasing items from our Amazon Wishlist. Your generosity makes it possible for us to provide critical care, rehabilitation, and education for Mississippi’s native wildlife every single day.
🌟 Monthly Donors
A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated monthly supporters whose ongoing commitment sustains daily wildlife care:
• Karen S. Brown • Natalie Bright • Rebecca Carter • Carol A. Decker • Beau Edgington • Heather Eisan • Josephine Falcone • Kate Friedman • Larry Green • John Gullett • Leah Hasselle • Bill & Tracy Hill • Theresa Hissong • Marie K Richardson • Kellye Makamson • Christina Milbourne • Christina Monasco • Yvonne McCommon • Irene McClain • Nancy Orton • Heather Ray • Jason Reid • Nicholas Richards • Natalie Rodgers • Sharon Runkel • Diane Sales • David Simonton • Suzan Stewart • Rebecca Terry • Chrystie Teague • Cassandra R. Truan • Melinda Turley • Madison Warren • Stephanie Allen • The Waldrip Family • Aimee Nezhukumatathil •Uriel Zua’Iga
💻 Online Donors
We are also grateful to the following individuals who gave online this month:
• Brock McCarty • Jordan Gatlin • Mark Waghorne • Kate Cooper • Bobby Ranalli • Gail Helms • Esperanza Lopez
📦 Amazon Wishlist Support
Thank you to everyone who donated much-needed supplies through our Amazon Wishlist:
Tyler Hampton • Yvonne McCommon • Elizabeth B. McGoldrick
Every gift—no matter the size—plays an essential role in helping us protect, rehabilitate, and advocate for Mississippi’s native wildlife.
💙 Want to support MWR? DONATE TODAY
🛒 Prefer to donate supplies? Shop our Amazon Wishlist to send essential items directly to our center.
📚 Education & Outreach: Connecting with Communities
Throughout June, MWR’s Education Team was busy bringing wildlife education to communities across the region through local library and museum summer programs. These visits gave children and families the opportunity to learn more about native wildlife, conservation, and the important role each of us plays in protecting the natural world.
Programs were presented at Edmondson Library in Vardaman, Old Courthouse Museum in Iuka, Jesse J. Edwards Library in Coldwater, Senatobia Library, and B.J. Chain Library in Olive Branch.
These programs are an important part of MWR’s mission, helping us educate the public, build conservation partnerships, and inspire future generations to care for native wildlife.
Check out the links below to see highlights from this exciting month of summer learning:
• https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AkBjA7hqp/
• https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1H5kuopGzq/
Want to bring MWR to your school, group, or event?
➡️ Learn about our education programs
📅 Upcoming Events – Join Us!
📖 Library Summer Reading Series – MWR will be participating in several Library Summer Reading Programs in July. Come join us at one of these locations:
- 7/07 – M.R. Davis Library, Southaven
- 7/09 – Amory Municipal Library
- 7/10 – James F. Anderson Library, Hernando
🌺 North Mississippi Hummingbird Festival
📍 September 12-13 | Snowden Grove, Southaven MS
This long-loved community event is BACK! Celebrate the beauty of hummingbirds and learn how to support them in your own backyard. More details HERE
⛳ 2nd Annual MWR Charity Golf Tournament
📍 September 21 | 12 PM – Wedgewood Golf Club
Join us for a fun afternoon on the links and help raise critical funds for wildlife care. Become a Sponsor or register your team today! Learn more and register/ sponsor HERE
Stay Connected
📍 Visit mwr.ms
💬 Follow us on Facebook for wildlife stories, tips, and event updates.
Thank you for being part of the MWR family. Together, we’re protecting Mississippi’s wild future. 🦉💚