Please don't make pets of wild animals! Wild animals make terrible pets. It is against the law, and it is cruel to the animal. Read all about a squirrel that went mad in captivity. Today, it is getting the chance to regain the wild in its life.   How big is a baby hummingbird, anyway? Adult hummingbirds are tiny, but you haven't seen anything until you've seen our pictures of baby ruby throated hummingbirds. Click here to see our pictures and learn other facts about hummingbirds.   Old, dead trees provide crucial homes for wildlife The section of dead tree had already been cut up with a chain saw when it was brought to our wildlife center. Workers who were removing the tree heard peeping sounds inside and brought it to us. Find out what was inside.   It's time for a change Imagine if you could only change your clothes once a year! (Don't even think about suggesting it to your parents. They won't go for it!) Birds change their feathers at least once each year in a process called molting. Learn about molting here.   How did we know that "Grandpa" theCanada goose is 17 years old?  "Grandpa" the Canada goose was injured, and brought to our center. We learned about him through a small metal band on his leg. Learn about the important information gathered when researchers band birds for study. Read "Grandpa's story" here.   Return to Illinois Raptor Center Home Page | Learn about our Educational Programs