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.
Read The Animal Care Instructions

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

This absolute behemoth of a common snapping turtle is back where he belongs!

He arrived with an infection and a few minor injuries, but after supportive care, medication, and plenty of tasty meals, he made a full recovery and was ready for release.

For a little size comparison, we placed him next to an Eastern box turtle. Large adults like this one may be several decades old, and based on his size, we estimate he could be anywhere from 30-50 years old!

Snapping turtles play an important role in our ecosystems, helping recycle nutrients by scavenging carrion and consuming a wide variety of animals and plants. We felt incredibly honored to care for this ancient reptile, and even more thrilled to watch him head back home. ... See MoreSee Less

15 hours ago
This absolute behemoth of a common snapping turtle is back where he belongs! He arrived with an infection and a few minor injuries, but after supportive care, medication, and plenty of tasty meals, he made a full recovery and was ready for release. For a little size comparison, we placed him next to an Eastern box turtle. Large adults like this one may be several decades old, and based on his size, we estimate he could be anywhere from 30-50 years old! Snapping turtles play an important role in our ecosystems, helping recycle nutrients by scavenging carrion and consuming a wide variety of animals and plants. We felt incredibly honored to care for this ancient reptile, and even more thrilled to watch him head back home.Image attachment
View on Facebook
· Share
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
View Comments
  • Likes: 115
  • Shares: 3
  • Comments: 3

Comment on Facebook

How much did this snapping turtle weigh? He's a big 'un!

Behemoth.😆

Thank you for saving this amazing animal ! You guys are great !

Load more

WALDEN'S PUDDLE ON YOUTUBE

WP. Newsletter 2023.Final

 

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.

Recent Posts

  • Under Construction
    April 1, 2024
    Our Website is currently undergoing a much needed update. If you are having trouble filling out applications for volunteering, reach out to our volunteer coordinator at puddlevolunteers@gmail.com. We will get back to you as
  • The Puddle In The News
    September 13, 2021
    NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – Members of a Nashville nonprofit say they’ve treated four times the amount of foxes this year than usual. News 2 spoke with Joanna Prosser, an Animal Care Supervisor of Walden’s Puddle about
  • We Need A Gently Used Riding Mower
    July 29, 2020
    If you have a gently used riding mower (in good condition) that you’d be willing to donate to us (tax-deductible), please call us and leave a message at
  • The Big Payback 2020
    May 6, 2020
    Walden’s Puddle is once again participating in The Big Payback, a region-wide, 24-hour online giving event created to help Middle Tennessee nonprofits raise funds vital to continue their work, which directly improves
  • During the COVID-19 Crisis
    March 19, 2020
    As the recent developments unfold regarding the COVID-19 virus, our primary concern turns to the health and safety of human lives. With this in mind, Waldens puddle has decided to temporarily suspend new admissions during
Walden

Read Our Current Newsletter

Download/Read

Help Our Babies They need us more than ever

© Walden's Puddle 2026
Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Center / 615-559-WILD (9453)