We are a wildlife sanctuary that helps mammals and reptiles 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.
The Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is a not-for-profit corporation and registered charity. Our mission is to treat and care for injured or orphaned wild mammals and reptiles until they are healthy enough to be returned to the wild. We also offer advice to the public on co-existing peacefully with wildlife, and preventing or solving wildlife conflicts using humane, cost-effective ways.
The Wildlife Sanctuary, located in North Gower, Ontario, was established in 2005 and has cared for more than 13,000 wild animals. At present, we admit approximately 1,000 wild mammals and reptiles each year.
How we support wildlife
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Rehabilitation & Critical Care: Providing triage, specialized treatment, and rehabilitation for injured, sick, and orphaned native mammals and reptiles.
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Release & Post-Care Monitoring: Conditioning recovered animals in outdoor pre-release enclosures to restore natural foraging, nesting, and survival instincts before their release back to their natural environment.
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Humane Conflict Resolution: Educating local communities with humane, non-lethal solutions to wildlife conflicts to prevent unnecessary displacement and harm.
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Community Outreach & Education: Promoting coexistence and teaching the public how to safely identify and respond to distressed wildlife.
How you can help
As a registered charity (Registration # 82731 7744 RR0001), our work is made possible entirely through the generosity and support from our community.