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
Meet Guacamole, an orphaned red squirrel, who came in on a rainy day in July after being found soaked in a puddle. Thankfully the finder
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Happy Groundhog Day!
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
A throwback to Cookies N' Cream...Cookies for short. She came in at just 60 grams, the youngest and smallest skunk RVWS has ever had! She
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Meet Sin, our juvenile snapping turtle who's overwintering with us before his release in the Spring. Unlike many other turtle species, snapping turtles cannot fully
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
RVWS is now hiring for 2026 summer positions! Detailed job descriptions and application instructions on www.rideauwildlife.org/jobs. It's first come, first served so apply early.
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
A throwback to Penny, our porcupine from the summer.
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
I hope everyone’s new year is off to a good start. Ours definitely is thanks to our loving team of donors! Together, you gave almost
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Wheat and Barley had run up their finders legs. When squirrels do this it often means they've been alone without mom for multiple days. Luckily
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Meet Vinny, our first patient of the New Year. Vinny, a big brown bat, came to us New Years Day after he had been attacked