What should I do if I find an animal?
If you are in the stare of Tennessee, we can help! First, be careful to capture the animal without injury to yourself. If you need advice for this, please call our Wildlife Hotline at (615) 299-9938. Second, once captured, place the animal into a secure container with adequate ventilation, and then place the container in a warm, dark, quiet area away from people and pets. Then, just give us a call at (615) 299-9938 and we will schedule an appointment for you.
Why by appointment only?
Appointments allow us to manage the quality of care our animals require. This is especially important for infant animals that depend on a regimented feeding schedule. In addition, the volunteers that help us are not allowed to admit an animal if a staff member is not here.
Can I come back and visit the animal I brought or pick it up when it is ready to return to the wild?
We are unable to allow you to visit the animal you have admitted; Tennessee state law prohibits this. As much as you care about the animal, please remember we are trying to ensure it will stay “wild”. When it is time to return an animal to the wild, we release them into areas where they will have a good chance at survival, with minimal contact with humans.
Why can’t I keep it?
Tennessee state law prohibits the possession of native wildlife by anyone not state or federally licensed to do so. In addition, wild animals belong in the wild! Detailed and specific nutrition requirements (and illness from malnutrition), large special requirements, proper handling techniques (and injury to people), potential disease transmission (to people and pets) and depression, lethargy and sometimes self destructive behavior in the animals themselves from having wild instinct and being in a captive situation are all considerations. Wild animals are not pets. It is against the law and it is against their nature. Let the wild be wild! “Those who wish to pet and baby wild animals ‘love’ them. But those who respect their wild natures and wish to let them lead normal lives love them more.” -Edwin Way Teale, American Naturalist and author
Is one of your staff members a veterinarian?
Thankfully, only a small number of the animals admitted to Walden’s Puddle each year require the services of a veterinarian or veterinary clinic. We are fortunate to have a veterinarian who donates his time and expertise. He provides Walden’s Puddle with services such as x-rays, surgery, disease diagnosis and treatment. Meet our Veterinarian, Dr. Mike Corwin at Airport Animal Clinic.
How is Walden’s Puddle supported?
Our work would not be possible without the generous financial support of caring people like you. All contributions are tax-deductible and help us to purchase animal food, veterinary supplies, and help us to maintain and improve our facility. Donations go to work instantly to help feed and heal hundreds of animals at our facility, and to prevent the suffering and dying of countless animals in the wild and in captivity.
How do I make a donation?
Walden’s Puddle is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your tax-deductible donations can be made by cash, check or credit card. Checks should be made out to Walden’s Puddle. Your gift can be mailed to Walden’s Puddle, P.O. Box 641, Joelton, TN 37080. You may also make a financial donation here on our website, using Pay Pal. Donate now. You may also donate services. Construction, cleaning, landscaping, technology, plumbing, handyman and printing is always appreciated and much needed! If you have a service not mentioned and think that you would like to help, please call us at (615)299-9938 or email wildlife@waldenspuddle.org.
Do you have a wish list of items you need or would like to have?
Yes. Please find these items listed elsewhere in this site. If you would like to donate items from our wish list, give us a call and we will be glad to set up a time for you to bring them by.
Can I volunteer at Walden’s Puddle?
Yes. If you are interested in helping with the animals, our basic requirements are that you be at least 16 years old, learn the ins and outs of animal care and work at least one four hour shift each week. Volunteers for other areas are also very welcome, especially “rescue drivers” to pick up injured animals around middle Tennessee! Learn more.
How many animals do you admit each year?
We admit more than 1000 injured or orphaned wild animals each year. Over 1700 were admitted last year, over 1400 the previous year and nearly 1100 the year before. Admissions are growing in leaps and bounds! The majority of these are animals such as squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, opossums, birds of prey and songbirds. Baby season starts in March and continues through October.
What is the most unusual animal you have admitted?
Most of the animals we admit are commonly seen in backyard habitats. However, sometimes people find an unusual animal, like the accidental visitor to our area, which was admitted after Hurricane Katrina. An oceanic bird, a Greater Shearwater, was brought to us after being blown in on the storm and grounded in a parking lot with a broken leg. This was the first record of this type of bird ever being in our state! One of the more dangerous animals we admitted was a 22 pound snapping turtle. Although it appeared to be sluggish, it could have bitten with lightning quickness. Needless to say, we were glad when he was released! |
