Found an injured or orphaned animal? We are happy to help!
Text or call us at 615-559-WILD (9453).
You may send a picture of short video of the animal you have found by text. Please note that all calls will go directly to voicemail. You must leave a message for us to help. Calls are returned daily from 9am to 4pm. Calls received after 4pm will be returned the next day. Please visit our emergency care instructions for overnight care.
Walden’s Puddle provides care and treatment to sick, injured and orphaned native Tennessee wildlife. We are a professionally-staffed wildlife rehabilitation facility in Middle Tennessee. We do not charge for services and receive no federal or state funding at this time. We are here to help wildlife in trouble. If you suspect an animal is orphaned, please observe to make sure its mother is not nearby.
If You Find A Wild Animal That Might Be Orphaned Or Injured
If you find a wild animal that might be orphaned or injured, call our Wildlife Admissions Line immediately at 615-559-WILD (9453) and LEAVE A MESSAGE. Please Do Not Email, We May Not Get Your Message In Time.JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
IF OUR ADMISSION APPOINTMENTS ARE FULL
In the event our admission appointments are full or we are at capacity, please contact these other licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators. Also, please read the related emergency animal care information on this website. Thank you for your understanding.
Lilliebirds Wildlife Rehab: 615-579-8801
Ziggy’s Tree Wildlife Rehab: 615-631-2205 for small mammals or (931) 841-9781 for song birds
Nashville Wildlife Conservation: 615-270-9009 (Turtles)
Please GO HERE for an extensive list of all permitted Wildlife Rehabilitators in all counties of Tennessee.
Latest News On Facebook
It's Wishlist Wednesday and we're taking advantage of some prime day deals today! We're also still needing venison and chicken donations and hard-sided crates. See details below if you have one you might be able to donate.
1) Our top wishlist needs are aquarium filters, crates, kitchen supplies, and other daily supplies that you can view here: a.co/5lSiIJu
2) We're still looking for fresh or frozen plain, unseasoned venison and chicken donations. (Thighs, drumsticks, wings, or breasts are all great - we just don't need whole chickens right now.) At this time, no other meats are needed. If you have some you can donate, please text or call and leave a voicemail at 615-559-9453 to schedule a drop-off time! We have a few volunteers willing to pick up donations as well depending on your location.
3) Hard-sided crates ranging in size from 35"L x 23"W x 25"H up to 48"L x 31"W x 34"H or rough variations around that size. For these size crates, we ask that the bottom half is solid and the top half openings are metal wire, not plastic. (Like the elevon plastic kennels on our wish list.)
We do *not* need any collapsable wire kennels at this time.
This red fox with a mild case of mange is heavily sedated during her clinic visit (shout-out @wesvetanimalhospital we love you) to get x-rays after being hit by a car. She's a fighter, so we're hoping she'll pull through her fractured ribs with proper medical treatment!
I dropped off 10 lbs Saturday of unseasoned frozen ground venison
That poor baby. ❤️🩹 I'll text you about bringing some chicken tomorrow. Unfortunately I don't have, or know anyone who has, venison.
The fox is looking so much better!
Beautiful
We are obsessed with this spotted salamander. 🖤💛 Just look at that face! This speckled sweetheart was found trapped in a swimming pool, but was thankfully brought into our care just in time. After arriving extremely lethargic, it was an absolute joy seeing this little wiggly forest dragon come back to life with fluid therapy and supportive care.
Spotted salamanders spend most of their lives hidden under logs or leaf litter, only emerging on a couple warm spring nights to breed. Since they're so secretive, many people never get the chance to see one in the wild or even realize they exist here in middle TN.
Unfortunately, pools can quickly become deadly traps. The smooth sides make it nearly impossible for wildlife to climb back out, and for amphibians, chlorine is especially dangerous because they absorb water and chemicals directly through their skin. This salamander was lucky to be found in time and by someone who cared so much to get it the treatment it needed.
A simple pool escape ramp and a quick morning pool check (especially after a big rain) can save lives. We know it’s not something you think of until a scenario like this happens to you, but it can really make a difference.
Pool escape ramps are inexpensive and so helpful. I put some in our neighborhood pool in the spring and they really work. Glad this cute sally was saved!
I admire everything you do at Walden's Puddle! I couldn't do it, though! Why? Because I, uh, just can't think of a salamander as cute or adorable! I guess I'm more the fur type.
😍🥰❤️
Love
We use frog logs and they work well. You can buy them on Amazon.
WALDEN'S PUDDLE ON YOUTUBE
IF OUR ADMISSION APPOINTMENTS ARE FULL
In the event our admission appointments are full or we are at capacity, please contact these other licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators. Also, please read the related emergency animal care information on this website. Thank you for your understanding.
Lilliebirds Wildlife Rehab: 615-579-8801
Ziggy’s Tree Wildlife Rehab: 615-631-2205 (small mammals) or (931) 841-9781 (song birds)
Nashville Wildlife Conservation/ 615-270-9009 (Turtles)
Please GO HERE for an extensive list of all permitted Wildlife Rehabilitators in all counties of Tennessee.
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