Our Mission
We help wildlife get back home to the wild.
Many wildlife adapt to living in our urban Ottawa environments, but they face many challenges. Mothers are accidentally killed by cars or illegally trapped and relocated, leaving behind orphaned babies. If they lose their mother while they are young and vulnerable, these babies have no hope except for the care we provide.
Get Involved
We would not be able to help so many wildlife without the help of our dedicated team of staff, interns and volunteers. There are many ways to get involved and help wildlife. We have opportunities for summer student employment, full-time internships, Volunteers and co-op and field placements.
Come join our dynamic and diverse team of people from the community with a passion for wildlife and the environment.
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Don’t miss your chance to match your gift for wildlife! A generous anonymous donor will match new monthly donations for three months and increases to
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Today is National Wildlife Day! This day reminds us to respect, protect and appreciate the incredible wildlife around us, and to support conservation efforts that
September 4, 2025 is National Wildlife Day! This day reminds us to respect, protect and appreciate the incredible wildlife around us, and to support conservation efforts that keep their habitats safe. This video shows just a few of the many patients cared for at RVWS this year. Each has a story of s...
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
City staff will be holding a public Beaver Management Forum, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Ron Kolbus Lakeside
Beaver Management Forum - City of Ottawa
Join us at the Beaver Management Forum hosted by the City of Ottawa for a series of speakers and a discussion period.
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
It’s also important to remember and celebrate those who you helped make it back to the wild. Here is a successful rescue story about Lemon,
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
These two juvenile raccoons were found in a shed with no mother in sight. For two days, they wandered around the finder’s property, following her
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
While walking her dog, a local resident was surprised when a litter of squirrels ran right up to her. Baby squirrels don’t typically approach people,
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
These two baby raccoons, Doug and Pip, were found alone in a Home Depot parking lot, with no mother in sight—leaving them vulnerable to dangers
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
After the mother was found deceased on the property, these baby red squirrels began emerging from their nest and approaching people nearby. The babies are
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
An anonymous and generous donor wants to help ensure that RVWS has the financial resources it needs to care for wildlife all year long. They