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.
Rehabilitation
We aim to lead in the rescue, rehabilitation, and successful release of wildlife back into their natural habitats.
Conservation
We strive for a future where natural habitats flourish through dedicated efforts in conservation, protection, and environmental stewardship.
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.
Our Story...
Founded by Stephanie Goetzinger in 1988, the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter began as a small, volunteer-run operation in her home. Today, it has grown into a thriving center dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing North Carolina’s native wildlife.
