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, weekly and casual 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
Our 2026 calendar is now available to order! This year we decided to create a special edition celebrating some of the most memorable photos and
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
This duo, Cherry and Forest, were found stuck in a window well. Mother skunks will take their babies out for walks at night but sometimes
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Jellybean came in after he was found alone wandering near a car in May. Raccoon mothers will often monitor babies playing from afar so the
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Meet Greg, an adult chipmunk that was caught in a fence. Luckily the finder noticed and Greg was brought to us that same day. With
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Meet Sleepy Joe, who was found alone in the rain. Sleepy Joe came in weak, cold, and sneezing. Staff immediately administered emergency care and Sleepy
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Lest we forget
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Our last patient highlight of National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week are these two raccoons, Cruella and Tigris. Both raccoons came in extremely sickly
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Our second patient highlight during the National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week is a big brown bat. Meet Chicken, who was admitted after being
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
It's National Animal Shelter and Rescue Awareness Week. This week we will be sharing some animal patients that required more intensive care than others. Whether