Give Orphaned and Injured Wildlife a Second Chance

WE'RE IN! For now, there is nothing more exciting for Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary staff, board and volunteers than being in our new Sanctuary building. It is beautiful and the whole place just feels right. There are animal babies there - 89 in residence to date - among them: opossum, fledgling songbirds, goslings, ducklings, and one solitary mouse.The new building's nurseries are larger and better equipped, and it is satisfying to see the space being used to rescue the spring's influx of baby animals. The porches on the building call to you - sit, sway in a rocking chair, consider the woods. Outdoors, a big striped turtle lounges in his pool, and nearby, construction continues on the species-specific enclosures for older animals that are growing and awaiting release. The place is fantastic and RWS is grateful for all that our GlobalGiving donors did to make it happen.

A FLOCK OF FOXES THIS SPRING: Who can resist a red fox? Not many and no one can resist a red fox kit, all puff ball, bright eyes! RWS is caring for seven red fox kits this spring. They are all in good health and growing fast. Soon, they will move into a dedicated fox den at the new facility, where they will get strong and prepare for their release.

UNUSUAL JANUARY VISITOR: This Horned Grebe landed in a field in central Virginia and got picked on by a bunch of crows. Usually, these waterbirds winter over in coastal Virginia or North Carolina or inland farther south. So, this lovely red-eyed bird got off track, perhaps thinking the field was a source of fresh water. Thankfully, her rescuer protected her from the crows and brought her to RWS where she was cared for and released a few days later. Horned Grebes get their name from the tufts of yellow feathers that jut out from behind the male’s eyes. In summer, they prefer smaller freshwater ponds in the far north, feeding on aquatic insects, fish and small crustaceans. The babies ride on the backs of the mother Grebe, even going underwater when she dives for food among the grasses!

ONGOING NEEDS: As we celebrate the generosity that has allowed the construction of the new Sanctuary, fundraising continues to complete the outdoor enclosures, and for daily operations. We are thankful to all the donors who have made this wonderful success possible -- we would not be in the new building without you.