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 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
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
You can help injured and orphaned wildlife and save on income tax by giving today. Today is the last day of giving to receive a
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
"I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself" ~D.H. Lawrence In each story I shared in December, every animal survived - not because of
"I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself" ~D.H. Lawrence - Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
In each story I shared in December, every animal survived - not because of their wild instincts, but because of so many caring and generous people. In the end, it is our donors who saved them. Please click here to read about them. If you would like to create more survival stories with me,
Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Happy Holidays from everyone at RVWS. Wishing you a magical season full of good health, happiness and kindness.