This is Duke, a very loved 6 month old deer who has been taken from his home and placed in a wildlife rehabilitation, Free Again Wildlife, have expressed their goal for him as "becoming afraid of humans, to survive in the wild or being euthanized." That IS NOT A GOAL for Duke. Let's start with his story and end with how to help!

Approximately 6 months ago Jessica Stearns came across a deceased mother deer with a baby laying next to her on Giant City Rd in Southern Illinois. Jessica wanted to help him, she did some research and read to leave the deer be, so that's what she did. Jessica's step-daughter later drove by to check on the baby and he was still laying there by the road, not moving on. He was VERY small, Jessica decided to bring him home, she made several phone calls to surrounding wildlife animal rescues but none could take him due to being full from spring. This is when Duke found his home!

Jessica began bottle feeding Duke, he got his own sun room, pillowtop bed, food, water, treats, toys & clothes! Duke is a very healthy loved family deer who enjoys going in the backyard in the sun, playing ball with his favorite 2-year-old boy, and ending his days inside, warm and full of love. All of these things can be seen in plenty of photographs and home videos with Duke.

Unfortunately, Duke got loose days ago and made his way to a local hospital wearing his famous Christmas Sweater. Pickle City Animal Oasis picked him up and kept him safe until the IDNR could confirm that he was a legally kept deer. That wasn't the case, as Jessica does not have a wildlife license. Pickle City Animal Oasis then had to make a decision on what to do with Duke, IDNR wants him released into the wild, so they decided to send him to Free Again Wildlife (AKA Select Synthetics) where other deer are in hopes he could make his transition back into the wild. Free Again Wildlife (Where Duke is currently being held) has expressed their goal for him as becoming afraid of humans to be released into the wild, if he cannot make this transition he will be euthanized. Remember that this is a deer who was living his BEST life, this isn't an impossible transition but the chances are unlikely in a short amount of time. This is where we need your help!

Pickle City Animal Oasis, where Duke was originally sent, by the IDNR currently holds a fur-bearers license and is a 501c3 animal sanctuary. Pickle City Animal Oasis is in the process of obtaining their Wildlife License. We know that when Pickle City Animal Oasis does obtain their wildlife license, we would still need the IDNR to give a legal letter stating Duke may remain in captivity, at The Sanctuary for the remainder of his life.

This petitions GOAL

1. Duke to remain ALIVE, we need the IDNR to give Duke and Pickle City Animal Oasis a "pass" for Duke to remain in captivity at Pickle City Animal Oasis where he will be safe and healthy for the remainder of his life. Jessica Stearns, Dukes "mom" has said she wants Duke to be safe, she is ok that he does not return home to her. Jessica wishes for Duke to return to Pickle City Animal Oasis where she can volunteer, visit & help Duke as well as other animals! 

Dukes Current Location:

 Free Again Wildlife (AKA Select Synthetics)

 4029 Big Muddy Rd, Carterville, IL 62918

 Phone Number: 618-988-1067

We need your help, Duke needs your help, IDNR needs to hear us, Free Again Wildlife needs to hear us and we need signatures to keep Duke safe!