Wild bird rehabilitation
Specialized care for herons, egrets, waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors — from fragile nestlings to adult birds recovering from injury or oiling.
Federally licensed · 501(c)(3)
A safe haven for El Paso’s wild animals
Stick House Sanctuary rehabilitates orphaned and injured birds and small mammals — from great blue herons to baby cottontails — and gives the ones who can’t return to the wild a permanent, caring home.
Intake line answered daily — Spring baby season is in full swing
10
Years rescuing El Paso’s wildlife
3
Species groups in active care
501(c)(3)
Tax-deductible · EIN 81-4046527
Illustrative wildlife photo: Great Blue Heron — Tom Koerner / U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, public domain.
What we do
Wildlife care, from rescue to release
Every animal that comes through our doors follows a careful path — from emergency intake and medical stabilization to rehabilitation and, whenever possible, return to the wild.
Small mammal rescue
Round-the-clock feeding and rehabilitation for orphaned cottontails, squirrels, raccoons, and skunks — species that need careful, species-specific protocols.
Feather farm sanctuary
A lifelong home for abandoned and surrendered domestic fowl — chickens, ducks, and geese that cannot survive on their own in the wild.
Illustrative wildlife photo: Great Blue Heron — Tom Koerner / U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, public domain.
Our story
Built on a simple belief: every wild life matters
Founded in 2016 and licensed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Stick House Sanctuary began as a response to a gap — El Paso had nowhere for injured herons, orphaned raccoons, or dumped domestic ducks to go.
- Federally licensed rehabilitatorPermitted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to care for protected migratory birds and species of concern.
- Evidence-based protocolsEach species gets a tailored care plan following current wildlife rehabilitation standards.
- Release as the goalOur measure of success is a healthy animal returned to its natural habitat.
From the sanctuary
Recent rescue activity
A glimpse of what comes through our intake line. Every season brings new patients — and new neighbors who care enough to call.
Spring baby season is underway
Our incubators are full. If you find a baby bird or mammal, please call before moving it — many “orphaned” animals are simply waiting for a parent to return.
Ascarate Lake ducks rescued after dumping
A group of domestic ducks abandoned at Ascarate Lake — including one severely injured by discarded fishing line — were brought to the sanctuary for treatment and a safe permanent home.
Found an animal? Call our intake line first
A quick call helps us determine whether the animal truly needs help and how to transport it safely. We answer the intake line throughout the day.
Accountability & trust
A verified 501(c)(3) public charity
Status
501(c)(3) Charity
Federal Tax ID
EIN 81-4046527
Donations
Tax-deductible
Filing
Permit
USFWS licensed
Credentials & community
Held to recognized standards
We operate under federal permits and are recognized by the nonprofit and local communities that help wildlife thrive in the Southwest.
Federal permit
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Licensed rehabilitator
Tax status
IRS · 501(c)(3)
Public charity, EIN 81-4046527
Nonprofit registry
Verified nonprofit profile
EIN searchable via IRS EOS
Local news
KTSM 9 News
Featured coverage
Your support keeps our incubators running
Community support helps provide food, formula, medical supplies, and safe enclosures for the animals in our care.