ATTENTION: We are located in Joelton,TN., NOT at 2826 Dogwood Lane in Nashville. If you take any sick, injured or orphaned animals to the Nashville address you will be delivering them to a Guitar Shop!! If you truly want to help these animals, call us at 615-559-WILD (9453) and we will gladly direct you to our facility in Joelton, where we will be able to actually help the animal (and fulfill your good intentions).
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.
A Great Way To Give
It’s really easy! Here’s how:
- Go HERE to choose Walden’s Puddle as your Cause (or one of your Causes)
- Use the iGive Button at Over 1,800 Online Stores
- Walden’s Puddle gets much-needed money to continue helping sick or injured animals
iGive.com was established in 1997 with the goal of changing all consumer transactions so that a percentage of each purchase can benefit worthy causes close to home. Participating stores include Amazon.com, Pottery Barn, Best Buy, Staples, PETCO, eBay, Expedia, QVC, and many more. Your contributions could even be tax-deductible.
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
Nothing like a good snooze next to mom… even if mom is a little fluffier and significantly less responsive than usual.
Baby squirrel season is here so we’ll soon be overflowing with tiny mouths to feed. As our squirrels grow they go through a lot of nuts, so we'd be very grateful for some help restocking!
If you’d like to lend a hand, you can check out our wish list here: a.co/5lSiIJu
This is adorable! 😍
Dear parents,
That turtle your child just spotted crossing the yard isn’t a free pet. It’s a wild animal that has likely survived for decades exactly where it is.
When your child asks, “Can we keep it?” you have a powerful opportunity. Instead of kidnapping an animal from its home, show them that loving wildlife means leaving it right where it belongs.
Watch it quietly together. Point out the patterns on its shell and how that helps it blend into the leaves. Talk about how that turtle might be older than you. Imagine how many summers and winters it has already survived. Ask your child where they think it finds water and what it eats.
Explain that it has a mental "map" of its home range. That taking it away can be terrifying, disorienting, and even deadly. Teach them that this turtle is a special part of a much bigger ecosystem.
That moment of choosing respect over possession teaches empathy and responsibility in a way no tank ever could.
And please dont paint on their shell!!
I found an injured box turtle in my yard a few years ago. He went to rehab for a couple weeks for a course of antibiotics. Getting to set him free where he was found was super rewarding. I haven’t seen him since but I hope he is living his best life and populating our neighborhood with more box turtles.
You see that car stopping in the middle of Highway 100 with the flashers on? That's me scooting that lil bugger out of harms way.............
I found 1 upside down n the middle of the road, his shell was cracked across the bottom so I took him 2 Walden's Puddle and the called me 2 or 3 weeks later and asked me if I could come by and pick it up and take it back close 2 where I found it because it would b lost if they released it. I got it and took it back but didn't know which side of the road water was on. Anyhoo, I left a generous tip 2 Walden's Puddle because I really appreciate what they do
I love this! I just wish I could convince the turtles to GO AROUND the fenced dog yard. 💔😢
Very well said. Education is key! I wish more schools dived deeper into wildlife education. It was so memorable to see wildlife come to our school on special educational days!
Not to mention, it's illegal to own Eastern Box Turtles as pets in TN (or any native turtle). I have moved my fair share of turtles out of harms way, but never have I thought I could set up a better home for them than the environment they are accustomed to.
My Daddy talked ght us well. He always watched Jacques Cousteau and Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom.....one tv...no cell phones.....PRAISE THE LORD FOR YALL🙏🏼❤️🔥
Love this!!
Well said!!!
Thank you so much for this insightful and needed message...well said! 🙏♥️🐾🌷
This is beautiful. I hope you share.
Yes yes yes! 🙌
And please carry it safely away from the freeway if it’s on the side of the road.
Amen! There's a reason it's called Wildlife! Leave them be! If they're sick or injured, contact a rehabber! This makes me so angry that people do this! 😡
Alex Schwartz
Bernice Karnett💚🐢
Very true
Perfect!
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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