2025 AT A GLANCE
The numbers behind every release.
~2,400
Animals admitted for care
21
NC counties we served
[180+]
Native species treated
24,000
Volunteer hours logged
Our Mission
Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter (OWLS) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of injured, sick, and orphaned native North Carolina wildlife. Our mission is to rehabilitate and release wildlife while educating the community about the importance of conservation.
The need to help save wildlife in our community is more critical than ever due to increasing threats such as habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and human-wildlife conflicts. We are actively addressing wildlife conservation challenges by providing medical care and rehabilitation for injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife with the goal of returning them to their natural habitat. Every release is a small token of hope and the answer to why we do what we do. Every life matters and is worth the effort because in a world where so many look away, we choose to care.
Our Vision
Our vision is a community where native wildlife thrives — supported by people who value education, conservation, and sustainable coexistence for generations to come.
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Rehabilitation: we aim to lead in the rescue, rehabilitation, and successful release of wildlife back into their natural habitats.
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Conservation: we strive for a future where natural habitats flourish through dedicated efforts in conservation, protection, and environmental stewardship.
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Education: we’re dedicated to promoting the ethical treatment of wildlife and inspiring conservation through community engagement, education, and a commitment to biodiversity and sustainability.
MEET OUR FLOCK
Our Staff
Board of Directors
Board President
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Rosanne Martin
Treasurer
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Christi Davis
V. President
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Carla Aldridge
Voting Members
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Pam Bader
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Lori Dorsey
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Dave Jasper
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Joe Keylor
Items We Need
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Detergent (fragrance free)
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Puppy Pads
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Odoban Cleaner
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Towels – no strings, holes, etc.
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55 Gallon trash bags
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13 Gallon trash bags
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Paper towels
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Disinfectant Spray / Wipes
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Nitrile exam gloves
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Hand Soap (Anitbacterial)
All items ship directly to OWLS and every purchase helps feed, house, and heal wildlife.
LET’S WORK TOGETHER
Volunteer with OWLS
We’re excited that you’re interested in joining the OWLS volunteer team. Volunteers are a huge part of how we care for the animals and keep the shelter running smoothly.
What volunteers do?
Volunteers play a hands-on role in keeping the shelter running each day. Much of the work involves general cleaning that keeps our space safe and healthy. This includes sweeping, mopping, washing dishes, taking out trash, refreshing the fridge each week, and staying on top of laundry so towels are clean and ready to use.
You’ll also get to know our Classroom Ambassadors, learn their backgrounds, and understand the species they represent. Volunteers help prepare their meals, feed them, and clean their enclosures. Our ambassador team currently includes one tortoise, six turtles, and two snakes.
For those interested in reptile care, there are opportunities to help in our Reptile Room with turtles, snakes, and occasionally frogs that are in various stages of recovery.
Sometimes we have rehab animals housed outdoors, and volunteers help by providing fresh food and water and maintaining their enclosures, including refreshing small pools or tidying habitat areas.
As volunteers gain experience, they can learn the basics of caring for our rehabbing mammals and, with proper training, assist in the Baby Bird Nursery during baby season with feeding and cleaning.
Scheduling-
We don’t require a set number of hours, but volunteer shifts begin at 9:30 a.m.
There is a $20 fee due at orientation, which helps cover administrative costs and includes your volunteer T-shirt.
If you’re ready to get involved, we’d love to welcome you to the team!
Let’s Work Together
Get in touch so we can start working together.
Have You Found an Animal in Distress?
If you find an animal that needs assistance, please keep it in a warm, quiet place. Do not attempt to feed or give water to the animal until you talk to us. Please call the shelter at 252-240-1200. If you find an animal after business hours please send us an email or message on FaceBook. We make every attempt to answer messages quickly.
BABY MAMMAL OR BIRD
Please place the animal in a box with a soft warm cloth or blanket in the bottom, close the lid and keep it in a warm quiet environment. NO FOOD, NO WATER, then get to us ASAP.
SHOREBIRDS
If you find a shorebird, please call us and stay with the bird until we get there. We need an accurate address and a phone number to stay in communication. Additionally, a photo taken of the bird if possible.
NEVER feed a young pelican. They habituate very easily, making it hard to learn to be a pelican.
