Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge — Attraction in Medford Township

I think I gave this place a review before and I've always had great things to say about it but I do have one issue that bothers me but I would never give them lower than a 5 star rating as I am extremely grateful to have such a place to bring the hurt wildlife that I constantly seem to find. The other night I had brought a hurt grey dove that I found in my yard around 2am. Of course I had to keep her overnight and I called a hotline that gave me instructions on what to do until the place opened up and I could bring her. Her eye was protruding outward and her wings were broken I'm sure due to an animal attack. I was told not to feed her but water was ok. Which she did end up drinking some, Im pretty sure I heard her through the box bc I tried not to disturb her too much after getting her settled. So, the next day I drove her about an hour away (I live in Vineland) and I had to leave her there (alone, unattended, all night again without food) because from 4 to 7pm they have a drop off destination that I thought would have someone there but they don't. They provide blankets, heating pads, little cages, etc and a paper where you provide your info and the info on the animal your bringing. I wasn't so much worried about the bird I brought but there was another person bringing a very hurt squirrel who had fallen from a very tall tree that wasn't very supportive, as he described the branches looking very weak and not something you would see squirrels or anything jumping onto. This poor thing was laying there, obviously paralyzed, breathing and looking around. He would start to close his eyes and the man would take his finger and rub the top of his head while soothingly talking to the squirrel and the squirrels eyes would pop open and look at him. It was very upsetting. I couldn't get this poor squirrel out of my head for days. The thought that we were leaving these hurt animals alone, who obviously had limited time left due to their injuries, was heartbreaking and devastating. I almost stayed in this little room with them and would have stayed the entire night had I thought noone would end up kicking me out if there was a night watchmen who watched the grounds at night. But the thought really stayed in my mind. I had a feeling that the squirrel wouldn't make it, and probably wouldn't due to it being a wild animal for one, who you can't rehab being paralyzed especially had it not been around people. He laid there, not moving, but breathing and looking at us probably scared out of it's mind. It makes me feel horrible that we left them there and then when I found out that the bird made it through the night and the squirrel didn't, I still felt really bad even though I kind of knew what the outcome would be. Here's my problem: I love this place, I love how they keep up with communication after dropping off the animal, I love how they kept in touch with me about the baby possums I dropped off a year ago, I love that they let you know when they are gonna be released. I love that I am able to have a place such as this to bring a wild animal because how many of us have found injured wildlife in the past and stressed about what to do with them due to not having a place like this to take them too? So, you can understand why I hate to complain about this. I guess I'm just looking for an explanation on why there isn't anyone there but I maybe know that answer due them being so busy and only getting paid through donations if they even receive any? I guess I'm not really complaining but maybe asking why or just needed an answer to make myself feel better about it, I don't really know. But I have been struggling with this for the past few days and can't seem to shake off the feeling that we abandoned these poor hurt animals and just left them overnight to sit and die or sit and be in pain/scared out of their minds. It really really has been paining on me. I will repeatedly say that I'm extremely grateful for this place and have had nothing but good experiences using this place, all except the...

On Saturday morning we had ourselves an adventure at Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge when we attended their annual Trails, Tails, and Ales event! Growing up in Medford I have fond memories of this place. As a kid in the 80s and 90s I was a regular visitor, taking school field trips, working as a volunteer in scouting, and taking injured wild animals to their hospital with my parents whenever we found one that needed help. Today I still live in Medford and my recent trip there made me realize that I take this wonderful place, that’s practically in my backyard, for granted. If you want to immerse yourself in nature, purchase a daily pass and walk over 3 miles of hiking trails where you can spot all sorts of creatures in the wild. You will also see animals in the enclosures that are being rehabilitated along with some that are not able to be released like their resident bald eagle. There is a nature center that has several exhibits, a reptile room, and a gift shop. They offer many programs for schools, scouts, and other groups including private events and birthday parties. The best part about Cedar Run is their Wildlife Hospital! For decades people have been bringing injured or abandoned wildlife that is native to New Jersey. This all started in 1951 when Jim and Betty Woodford purchased the land and in 1957 founded Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge. Every year they treat over 6,300 wild animals! They don’t receive any government funding so donations are greatly appreciated. Visit their website for more information including programs and events. We were there over the weekend for the Trails, Tails, and Ales 5k Fun Run and Beer Garden. The highlight of my adventure was running my first race ever and the highlight of my wife’s adventure was being the first one in the beer garden! Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge is great for nature lovers of all ages and is truly a local treasure of the pines! 🦅🐢🏥🌲 #cedarrun #njwildlife #medfordnj...

Wheelchair warning: while I really like Cedar Run and consider it 5 stars, I do feel the need to post a concern that happened to me and may help someone else. I hadn’t been to Cedar Run in a very long time. I recently had surgery and needed a wheelchair. I had wanted to definitely see Ember as we had sent a small donation when they were building her enclosure. The website clearly says trails are rustic but easily used by wheel chairs and strollers. So we went. Getting inside to pay was a challenge due to the size of my wheel chair, but since I was able to stand Alittle, we managed. Then we crossed the nice bridge to head toward the animals. Once we hit the bottom and the trail started, my wheels immediately sunk and was unpushable. My husband is big and strong, so that was not the problem. I was so sad. We had already drove over 30 mins to get there and paid our admission. And I really wanted to see Ember and the other animals. I decided to try and walk and push my empty chair to lean on. After a few rests, I made it to the fox enclosure. I got to sit for Alittle and see her and then start the trek back to the car. Although I got to see Ember, it alone wasn’t worth the trip and the fee. We were only there a very short time and I wasn’t able to many animals. I don’t mean to be a downer, the refuge is nice and I recommend going but just be prepared if you use a wheelchair. I was fortunate that I was able to try and walk Alittle but if I wasn’t able to, the entire trip Would have been unsuccessful. It Ember is beautiful and I am glad she has a nice enclosure with toys and things. **I did have a basic manual wheelchair. Maybe a different style with different tires would...