A Southern Oregon gem, Wildlife Images is an animal rehabilitation center located off I-5 near Grants Pass. If you have an animal lover in your car, this is a pit stop that’s not to be missed! Open year round, the facility is beautiful, peaceful, and very educational. Animals are viewed through scheduled tours only (more information on that below), but don’t let that deter you, even if you have young kids. Tours are 1-1 1/2 hours, and are very well done. The guides are knowledgable and interesting, and allow for lots of up close viewing and hands-on experiences with kids.
Because the facility is a working rehab center, the only animals on the tour are the ones which can never return to the world. There is a nursery and charts that show what other animals they have, where they got them, and when they are due to be released. The most interesting part may be hearing the stories behind how these animals (badgers, bears, racoons, wolves, mountain lions, and more) came to be in the facility. It is made very clear that wild animals cannot be pets.
Distance from the interstate: Eight minutes off I-5.
Admission prices: Ages 4-17: $5, Adults $10
Hours of operation: Wildlife Images is open year round, and access is available through scheduled tours only. Call 541-476-0222 to schedule a tour. A day’s notice is best, though tours are often available same day.
Food services: No food services (aside from ice cream sales in the gift shop), but nice picnic facilities are available.
Directions: Wildlife Images is located eight minutes of off I-5 just north of Grants Pass at Merlin exit. Follow signs!
