​The Beginning 

 

Christine’s Critters, Inc. was founded in 2015 by Christine Peyreigne, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, falconer, and veterinary technician, with a deep passion for birds of prey and a commitment to mitigating human impact on native wildlife.

 

In the early years, keeping the doors open to injured wildlife while balancing college classes was no small task. Christine’s mother, Betsy Peyreigne, played a crucial role in ensuring the organization could continue caring for rescued birds and reptiles, managing daily operations while Christine pursued her bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology. A skilled rehabilitator, Betsy remains an integral part of Christine’s Critters, assisting with wildlife rehabilitation, animal care, educational outreach, and social media efforts to help spread awareness and support for their mission. Her unwavering dedication to wildlife conservation helped lay the foundation for what Christine’s Critters is today.

 

Christine met her husband, Chris, in 2016, and he quickly became immersed in the world of wildlife rehabilitation. Over the years, he has developed into a seasoned rehabilitator, caring for both education ambassador birds and rehab patients, assisting with educational programs, and playing a vital role in aviary upkeep and repairs. His dedication and hands-on involvement have been instrumental in supporting the mission of Christine’s Critters.

 

 

Our Mission Today  

 

Today, Christine, Chris, and Betsy—along with a dedicated team of volunteers—work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured raptors while also providing lifelong care for non-releasable birds of prey and surrendered reptiles here in Connecticut. 

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As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Christine’s Critters relies entirely on public support, program fees, and donations to sustain its mission. The center, located in Weston, Connecticut, is fully licensed by the State of Connecticut, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The facility includes flight cages, a dedicated quarantine shed, and specialized enclosures to provide the highest level of care to both rehabilitation patients and permanent ambassador animals. Currently, the organization provides sanctuary to 23 non-releasable birds of prey and 18 rescued reptiles, many of whom were surrendered from the exotic pet trade.

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Looking to the Future ​

 

Beyond rescue and rehabilitation, education is at the heart of Christine’s Critters’ mission. Through live educational programs, on-site tours, and outreach events, the organization works to prevent common human-caused injuries to raptors and inspire the public to become better stewards of wildlife. Even small changes in human behavior can have a huge impact in protecting native species and preserving biodiversity.

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With Connecticut being one of the most densely populated and road intersected states, wildlife face constant threats from human activity. The majority of our rehabilitation patients suffer from injuries caused by collisions, habitat destruction, poisoning, and other human-related dangers. They need our help.

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That’s why Christine’s Critters is committed to expanding its reach. Our goal is to purchase land and establish a public wildlife rehabilitation and education center in Connecticut—a facility that will allow us to care for more injured wildlife while creating a lasting educational impact. This center will serve as a hub for conservation education, welcoming school groups, community programs, and visitors who want to learn about raptors and the vital role they play in our ecosystem.

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Your support will help make this goal a reality. Whether through an interactive program, a behind-the-scenes tour, or a generous donation, you can help ensure that rescued wildlife receives the care they need and that future generations are inspired to protect them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Together, we can create a safer, more sustainable future for Connecticut’s wildlife.