Wildlife Rescue Center

The Wildlife Rescue Center rehabilitates sick, injured, and orphaned native Missouri wildlife while educating the public about the essential roles wild animals play in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Since 1979, the Center has treated over 100,000 wild animal patients with the goal of returning healthy animals to their home in the wild.

The Wildlife Rescue Center is permitted by the Missouri Department of Conservation and the United States Fish & Wildlife Service to temporarily hold native wild mammals, water birds, game birds, reptiles, and amphibians for the purpose of wildlife rehabilitation.

The Center serves the entire state of Missouri, with a focus on the St. Louis region, and regularly fields requests for rescue and rehabilitation services from municipalities, first responders, government agencies, businesses, and individuals. These essential services would not be available if the organization did not exist.

Annually, the Center responds to over 20,000 requests for help and guidance with wildlife issues and concerns. Many of these concerns are addressed through public education and humane conflict resolution. When an animal is orphaned, sick, or injured, rescue and intake staff and volunteers facilitate capture and transport to the Wildlife Rescue Center.

Throughout the year, up to 3,600 wild animals are admitted, with the highest intake peaking in May and June. During the busy "baby season" the Center may be housing and treating more than 500 daily animals at the facility in Ballwin, MO. Animal patients receive the medical treatment, expert care, and environment needed to give them the best chance to recover and return to the wild.

All operations are powered by charitable gifts and dedicated volunteers who contribute approximately 17,000 hours of service annually. The Center receives no local, state, or federal funding contributions.