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Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary

Why We Exist

Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary rehabilitates injured and orphaned native wildlife in Central Virginia, and educates our community about the needs and value of the natural environment.

What We Do

RWS rescues, rehabilitates and releases orphaned and injured wildlife that are native to Virginia. Our 19 acre facility is staffed by federally- and state-licensed wildlife rehabilitators and trained volunteers. We provide care to more than 800 birds, mammals and reptiles each year. Our staff and trained volunteers offer workshops and presentations on wildlife rehabilitation, the habitat needs of wildlife and what to do if you find an orphaned or injured animal. We have a number of education animals: wildlife who can not be released because their injuries prevent them from living independently, and who can have a good quality of life in enclosures. These wildlife ambassadors help the children and adults at our presentations understand what can happen to wildlife, illustrate how people need to take care of wildlife habitat and how people can help these animals with which we share the planet.

Who We Serve

RWS serves two overlapping populations. Our animal population are orphaned and injured wildlife that are native to Virginia. Our human population are the people who find these animals and contact us, who come to our presentations, learn from our semi-annual newsletter and our Facebook posts, and call us for advice. In addition, we offer educational presentations to community groups, schools and organizations. And we answer thousands of phone calls each year from people who are seeking advice about what to do when they find an injured or orphaned wild animal.
Why Community Members Support Our Work
Our native wildlife are an essential part of the ecosystem in which we live and people have a natural desire to help orphaned and injured creatures. By helping people respond to the needs of native wildlife RWS believes that people will be more interested in learning more about these animals and what native wildlife needs in terms of habitat to thrive. We have seen how often children are the ones who insist that their parents get help for injured wildlife and we believe that supporting compassionate acts in people of all ages makes this world a better place. Our educational programs broaden people’s knowledge of wildlife habits and needs, and offers suggestions for changing human habits and lifestyles to maintain and improve the natural environment. RWS relies on the generosity of individual donors and grants from foundations. We receive no funding from local, state or federal agencies. We work to keep our expenses low: 91% of our budget goes directly to animal care and education, 9% to administration and fundraising. You can be sure that your donation is used well and for the benefit of native wildlife.
How Volunteers Contribute to our Work:
Our native wildlife are an essential part of the ecosystem in which we live and people have a natural desire to help orphaned and injured creatures. By helping people respond to the needs of native wildlife RWS believes that people will be more interested in learning more about these animals and what native wildlife needs in terms of habitat to thrive. We have seen how often children are the ones who insist that their parents get help for injured wildlife and we believe that supporting compassionate acts in people of all ages makes this world a better place. Our educational programs broaden people’s knowledge of wildlife habits and needs, and offers suggestions for changing human habits and lifestyles to maintain and improve the natural environment. RWS relies on the generosity of individual donors and grants from foundations. We receive no funding from local, state or federal agencies. We work to keep our expenses low: 91% of our budget goes directly to animal care and education, 9% to administration and fundraising. You can be sure that your donation is used well and for the benefit of native wildlife.
How Volunteers Contribute to our Work:
Our native wildlife are an essential part of the ecosystem in which we live and people have a natural desire to help orphaned and injured creatures. By helping people respond to the needs of native wildlife RWS believes that people will be more interested in learning more about these animals and what native wildlife needs in terms of habitat to thrive. We have seen how often children are the ones who insist that their parents get help for injured wildlife and we believe that supporting compassionate acts in people of all ages makes this world a better place. Our educational programs broaden people’s knowledge of wildlife habits and needs, and offers suggestions for changing human habits and lifestyles to maintain and improve the natural environment. RWS relies on the generosity of individual donors and grants from foundations. We receive no funding from local, state or federal agencies. We work to keep our expenses low: 91% of our budget goes directly to animal care and education, 9% to administration and fundraising. You can be sure that your donation is used well and for the benefit of native wildlife.

Contact Information:

Nathou Attinger
PO Box 3
Charlottesville,
Virginia
22902