Sonflower Ranch Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

Background Statement

Keith Gunn has cared for animals all his life. His biggest passion has been for the care and wellness of the animals who often have the least amount of resources available when they are in need of help - the wildlife. He put these dreams into action when he began training with Carol, a licensed sponsor and ultimately achieved his license in wildlife rehabilitation on August 2, 2016. On August 25th, 2016 he founded the Sonflower Ranch Wildlife Rehabilitation Center located in Brighton, Colorado.

In its first year the rehab center's team consisted solely of Keith who worked out of a small room of his home designated for wildlife rehabilitation. Often working around the clock he managed to rescue 91 wild animals that year. Rhonda, a licensed rehabilitation volunteer joined our team in 2017 and together they rehabilitated 129 animals that year. The Sonflower Ranch Wildlife Rehabilitation Center became a nonprofit organization on June 14th, 2017. Growth continued and 2019 saw the saving of 131 animals. Our operation was quickly outgrowing the confinements of the small rehabilitation room.

In 2020 we were able to move our operation out of Keith's home and into a modular unit which was generously donated to our organization. The expansion of the rehab center allowed us to take on more volunteers which in turn enabled us to take in more animals. Our volunteers treated 187 wild animals in 2020 and our numbering is still growing beyond that this year!!!!

The animals we rehabilitate primarily include raccoons and squirrels as this is what our current facility supports. Looking towards the near future we have our hearts set on expanding our services to deer, fox, coyote and rabbits, to name a few. A 3200 square foot rehabilitation center is currently under construction, set to be fitted with multiple rehabilitation areas and two operating/procedural areas. Expected and hopeful completion in 2022.

The Sonflower Ranch Wildlife Rehabilitation Center has come a long way in its ability to serve the wildlife of Colorado - yet there is still so much more we can and will do! In order to manifest our dreams of caring for a wider variety of wildlife species we rely on the generosity and support of our communities. Our fundraising needs and efforts are ever-growing and we host festivals and events throughout the year including the highly anticipated annual auction & dinner held in September. With your support we continue to provide for Colorado's wildlife which both serve to maintain healthy ecosystems in our beautiful state and deserve to thrive.