REHABILITATION CLINIC

Since our founding in 1988, OWLS has admitted close to 23,000 patients. We depend on the good nature of the public to bring the animals to us because unfortunately we do not have an "ambulance" service or always have the man power to leave and go on rescues.

What do you do when you find a wild animal?

OWLS is set up as a medical clinic, complete with an exam room, surgery, x-ray, and an intensive care unit. Other areas of the clinic include the baby bird nursery, baby mammal nursery, necropsy room, the animal kitchen and the outside pre-release cages.

Upon arrival at The Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter every animal is treated as an individual in a caring, compassionate, and professional environment.

 The animals admitted are scared, cold, hungry, in pain, or in most cases in shock.

Unfortunately many of the injuries we see are human induced and include but are not limited to:

  • Automobile accidents
  • Pollution entanglement or ingestion
  • Lead and mercury poisoning
  • Pet attacks
  • Malnutrition from being fed bread or french fries (gulls, ducks, and geese)
  • Orphaned animals

It is our job to help these precious animals and keep their visit as stress free as possible. Just like humans, when they get stressed their immune system weakens and they can get worse. In some cases stress can be fatal.

The Rehabilitation Process:

  1. Get all needed information such as species, what happened, and where it was found
  2. Down time in the exam room with lights off and NO noise
  3. Thorough examination by our clinic staff to determine where they should go

The animals will then go one of three places depending on their needs and species

  1. Baby bird nursery
  2. Baby mammal nursery
  3.  Intensive Care Unit

Unfortunately not all animals can be saved. If an animal is suffering and unable to ever go back to the wild or to ever live comfortably in captivity it is sedated and humanely euthanized after all other options have been reviewed.

If an animal is unable to be returned to the wild, but is healthy, it becomes a candidate to be one of our "Education Ambassadors" and gain appreciation for its species everywhere.  We are then dedicated to their lifelong care providing a natural and safe environment.

Our clinic staff has a combined 40 years of experience and has seen a wide variety of cases. Every day is new, exciting, and sometimes heartbreaking.  Giving these animals a chance at life is our greatest reward.

Thank you to everyone who has brought an animal to OWLS or made a donation!

You have made a difference in a life!!!