Whoa! Was that a badger?
Yes, it was.
Whoa! Is that a wolf?
Yep.
The Mackenzie Wildlife Center in Poynette allows you the chance to see all types of Wisconsin wildlife up close. These are rescued animals that are either being rehabilitated in preparation for a return to the wild, or they have been deemed medically unable to be released and will live at the center for the rest of their lives. It is a great opportunity to see the wild animals of Wisconsin, both rare and common.
The animals on exhibit change over time. On a recent visit we saw bison, deer, wolves, a coyote, a badger, raccoon, an otter, porcupines, a skunk, a bobcat, a lynx, a mountain lion, two hawks, and two owls.
At the start of the main trail, there is a large fire tower to ascend. The stairs are at a steep incline which make the way back down a bit more treacherous – especially for the very young and the old.
At just over 30 minutes from home, it’s the perfect way to fill in an afternoon. The trails are okay, but not great, for a stroller. You will only find porta-potties along your hike but the information building on the property has restrooms. Parking is plentiful. For a longer explore, the trails wind further from the animal pens into the surrounding woodlands with occasional informative signs about the trees and vegetation.
Tip: Afternoon feeding time for the animals is around 2pm. Most of the animals are up and about in anticipation of a good meal.