2024 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Animal-Related, Animals, Environment, Environmental Education, Wildlife Preservation & Protection, Wildlife Sanctuaries

Mission: Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary (RWS) is dedicated to improving our environment through wildlife rehabilitation and raising awareness in our community about the importance of our native species. Based at our state-of-the-art facility in Nelson County, our devoted team of wildlife rehabilitators and volunteers rescue and care for more than 800 animals annually from across Virginia. We also lead free educational programming for local community groups so folks from all walks of life can learn about the importance of our wild neighbors. This combination of animal care and education constitutes our commitment to a vibrant and compassionate future for wildlife in Virginia and beyond.

Community Stories

21 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

rmarley General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/15/2024

Great staff, well-cared-for animals, amazing location, & wonderful education and events!

cdennis Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/19/2024

The staff at Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary are incredibly compassionate and dedicated in caring for animals and also educating the public about wildlife. They work hard to provide the best care possible for even the smallest animals such as native mice and shrews

karenwalker Board Member

Rating: 5

09/18/2024

Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary is a wonderful organize that rehabilitates native baby animals. They were there for me when I found a group of baby birds that fell out of tree and were not ready to care for themselves.
I am proud to be a supporter of this amazing organization.

katiecatmom Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/18/2024

I wholeheartedly support Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary and what they do to help wildlife in need. Not only do they work tirelessly to rehabilitate wildlife, they also educate the community about wildlife and how we can be good neighbors with the critters we live among. The RWS team is small but mighty, and the Board of Directors is both passionate about the work and willing to help out however they can.

herdofelkas Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

09/18/2024

Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful place for animals to heal!

DKidd Board Member

Rating: 5

09/18/2024

I am on the board of RWS and am consistently impressed with the commitment of the ED and the staff to our native and other critters and to the humans seeking ways to care for native creatures and their habitats. With limited and stretched resources, they rescue, rehabilitate, release, and care for animals at the Sanctuary. Our ED wears 20 hats. She's the admin person, the finance person, the HR person, the development and events person, and the ultimate rehabber, among her many jobs. The staff works tirelessly to ensure that each species receives the best and most appropriate care around the clock. This organization treats animals and educates people from around the Commonwealth, and they so deserve your support!

foxgirl Client Served

Rating: 5

08/16/2024

I brought a baby fox here after my neighbor shot his mom. RWS did an amazing job coaching me through safely getting him to them and then clearly cared very well for him...he was released! I was impressed by how professional their operation was. The location is simply stunning, too!

jmilst2 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

08/12/2024

Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary is a truly wonderful and necessary service to the community and all of the creatures within it. Their experienced and compassionate staff handle their critters with excellent expertise and care, going above and beyond for every animal. They also do a lot of essential outreach for the community about the importance of local wildlife and conservation. They absolutely deserve every penny donated to them and more to support their efforts and mission!

BBottoms General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

08/06/2024

The rockfish wildlife sanctuary is a beacon of hope for our furry and feathered friends. Their dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating woodland animals is truly inspiring. The staff's passion for conservation and education shines through in every interaction. Visiting the sanctuary not only provides a chance to see these beautiful creatures up close, but also supports their important mission of protecting and preserving wildlife. A visit to the rockfish wildlife sanctuary is not just a fun day out, but a meaningful way to contribute to the well-being of our natural world. Five stars for their commitment to wildlife welfare and environmental stewardship!

grrrby123 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

08/06/2024

I love that our community has this resource, it makes a big difference!

katieaplis General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/13/2023

Rockfish is such a treasure to Central Virginia. The rehabilitators are truly dedicated to their craft and provide excellent care to the critters we love.

Tobias89 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/24/2023

I Have brought multiple injured critters to this organization and am so grateful to have their knowledge and facilities in our community. A heartfelt thank you to the Rockfish crew!

CvilleAnimalLover General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/19/2023

I brought RWS a nest of tiny orphaned squirrels that I found after some tree workers took down a tree in my yard. I was so glad to find this organization! They were able to rehab and raise the squirrels from little pink babies to release-ready squirrels. They were always so nice when I asked for updates. I would highly recommend supporting this awesome nonprofit in Nelson! They're doing incredible work for the community. I know they do education programs too. I got to see some of their ambassador animals when I was there dropping off the squirrels. I loved the opossum!

mckstew Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/11/2023

I have worked closely with Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary for several years and I have always had the most positive experiences with them. The staff at RWS is truly dedicated to wildlife and passionate about their mission. They take the time to educate and raise awareness in the public about native wildlife species, which is a huge part of wildlife rehabilitation. They give their all to this work and are truly making a difference for native wildlife in Virginia.

ekohl General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/10/2023

Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary is a renown and respected organization in Nelson County, Va. Their work helps educate the public on issues related to local wildlife/ecosystems AND facilitates the rehabilitation and re-release of native wildlife species. What more could you ask for?

DRF22 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/25/2023

I've stumbled upon a handful of events at local breweries/cideries where RWS had a booth with a few "show&tell" rescued animals. I noticed how professional and engaging the folks were about educating/advocating for these native wild animals. You could tell that they loved what they did and that made me happy to donate to their cause.

jfraser Board Member

Rating: 5

09/24/2023

I recently joined the board of directors for Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary, and I am beyond thrilled to be part of such a hard-working and dedicated group that tirelessly helps and advocates for those creatures who need it most. Prior to joining the board, I was always so impressed with their organization including their community outreach and education. I personally attended several local events at which RWS was present (along with some adorable ambassador animas), and both children and adults in attendance were captivated by learning about local wildlife. I also previously took an orphaned baby bird to them for rehabilitation, and I was beyond grateful for their help. RWS is an amazing organization that we are lucky to have in our community!

mhjohnson Board Member

Rating: 5

09/22/2023

Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary is a gem in the heart of Nelson County, VA. I have served on their board for the last 7 years and can attest to the dedication and quality of the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to give our wild neighbors a second chance to thrive in the wild. The education outreach programs with our non releasable animal ambassadors are engaging and informative regarding how to live with native wildlife and be good stewards of the environment. I am proud to be a part of such an important organization and encourage you to check out our Facebook page and Instagram to learn all about the important work being done at RWS.

RBennett Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/21/2023

It was a baby bunny in summer of 2020. We dropped one off and something dawned on me to ask if they use volunteers. And since 2021, I've been one. I am limited physically, but I do what I can when I go. The work RWS does is so impactful, useful, and meaningful.

ruby1958 Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/20/2023

I have been a volunteer at Rockfish for 9 years and I have loved every minute! From cleaning cages to feeding babies to taking bats home for middle of the night feedings it has all been amazing and an honor to be involved with such a wonderful organization. The staff is always ready to answer questions and give guidance when needed. There is not a better feeling than watching an animal get released back into the wild that I have had a hand in taking care of.

amerchak Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/20/2023

I volunteered with RWS for close to five years. Over that time, I not only got to know the resident animals, but spent a lot of time contributing to animal care of orphaned babies and injured critters. So many animals pass through those doors, get another chance at life and are released back into the wild. It was always very hands on and a such a fun environment. The care staff are amazing, the training was straight forward and very clear, and the communication was easy and reliable. They also offered a lot of understanding and flexibility with scheduling. With school, I generally changed my schedule with the seasons. I have volunteered with many animal care organizations, and this was by far my favorite. The love that they put into helping every creature is tangible.

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