Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator- Castalia, OH
More than 2,500 wild animals cared for each year!
From orphaned babies to critically injured adults, our rehabilitation team provides each animal with the care it needs to recover and, whenever possible, return to the wild.
YOUR IMPACT
Your support makes this possible.
Native wildlife. Specialized care.
From Bald Eagles and owls to turtles, foxes and songbirds, our team is equipped to care for a wide variety of Ohio's native wildlife.
Thousands reached through education.
Each year, our education programs connect thousands of people with Ohio's native wildlife and the work we do at Back To The Wild.
Wildlife Rehabilitation
Rescue, medical care, and release of native wildlife
Our rehabilitation team provides medical treatment, species-specific nutrition, conditioning and recovery care for more than 2,500 native wildlife each year.
Nature Education
Connecting our community with Ohio's native wildlife
Through programs at Back To The Wild and throughout the community, our educators and wildlife ambassadors help people of all ages learn more about Ohio's native wildlife.
Our Story
It started with a turtle.
Before Back To The Wild cared for thousands of animals each year, there was a piece of barren farmland, a woman determined to restore it, and a turtle that needed help. Mona Rutger began planting trees, creating habitat, and caring for injured wildlife. More than 35 years later, that work continues through wildlife rehabilitation, nature education, and conservation at Back To The Wild.
Upcoming Events
See what's coming up at Back To The Wild, from public programs and special events to fundraisers and more.
WITHOUT YOU, THERE IS NO US FOR THEM!
Every animal we care for relies on people like you. Your support makes rescue, rehabilitation, and release possible.
DONATE
Back To The Wild is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
Your support provides medical care, food, and shelter for injured & orphaned wildlife.
VOLUNTEER
Get involved and make a direct impact in the care and recovery of native wildlife.
FOLLOW US
Follow along to see the animals your support helps everyday.
OUR ADDRESS
P.O. Box 423
4504 Bardshar Road,
Castalia, Ohio 44824
Telephone: 419-684-9539
For inquiries related to organizational partnerships, media, or board matters, please contact Mona Rutger at mona@backtothewild.org.
For all other questions — including wildlife admissions, volunteering, tours, or donations — please reach out to our staff through phone or emails listed below.
Animal Questions: director@backtothewild.org
Finance: staff@backtothewild.org
Programs: education@backtothewild.org
Volunteers: Volunteers@backtothewild.org
OPERATING HOURS
Tours
For animal admissions:
May - October
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
November - April
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Day, and Easter
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM