Saving the world one duckling at a time

By Kaitlyn Fletcher Redstone Review

LONGMONT A Place to Heal, written by wildlife author and rehabilitator

Ingrid Thoenelt, is filled with impactful short stories with a poetic flair. Ingrid highlights not only wildlife rehabilitation topics but also the complex relationships between humans and animals.

The book is categorized by life lessons from wild animals, such as Mending Body and Soul and The Heartbreak of Farewells. Thoenelt, humanizes the wildlife experience in hopes that the public can see these species as unique individuals. She believes that those moments of deep connection can change a person for the better in terms of kindness and compassion.

Ingrid Thoenelt,’s inspiration

After a successful career in literature, Thoenelt pursued a second career as a veterinary technician. One of her volunteers at The Boulder Humane Society was 13-year-old Amanda Manoa, ironically the current Animal Care Supervisor at Greenwood. Together, they helped dogs overcome behavioral issues to be eligible for adoption.

After losing touch for a decade, their teacher roles switched when Thoenelt came to Greenwood with Manoa as her of- ficial mentor and sponsor for her wildlife rehabilitation license in Colorado. Thoenelt honored Manoa as her “soul sister” on the dedication page of her book. For the last seven years, she has volunteered and obtained her license to care for wildlife as well as her home care permit. Inspired by her time at Greenwood, she wrote the stories of her favorite wild patients, like Fred the Pelican. A friend pushed her to publish these stories. Thoenelt became a published author in July 2022.

The Red Barn

Greenwood’s Executive Director Emeritus, Linda Tyler, mentioned to Thoenelt that the center was struggling with the abundance of Mallard ducklings. Something clicked. This seemed the perfect fit since waterfowl have always captured her attention. She saw this need as a “clear path to saving lives” and became licensed for home care.

Thoenelt searched for her new home with the intention of creating a duckling rehabilitation area. When she set her eyes on the Red Barn in the backyard of a quaint Longmont house, Thoenelt knew this was the ideal place to raise orphaned ducks.

The Red Barn provides shelter from the elements while allowing the curious ducklings to wander outside into their inground pool. The water level mimics a pond, which helps the ducks learn how to safely swim. Thoenelt cares for mostly Mallards. She also helps find fosters for goslings.

She explained this passion is a 24/7 commitment throughout the summer months. As the ducklings’ sole caretaker on the property, each responsibility, from shredding the lettuce to cleaning their enclosures, falls on Thoenelt’s shoulders. Yet, this “duck mother” wouldn’t have it any other way. Thoenelt saves the world one duckling at a time.

In 2022, Greenwood treated 25 different species of waterfowl, making up over 10 percent of animals under the center’s care. Mallards account for half of our waterfowl patients.

Each year, Thoenelt reads one of her heartfelt stories at Wild Night for Wildlife.