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.
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A baby opossum this small has no chance of surviving alone in the wild. These little ones came to us in rough shape, but now they’re where they need to be: a licensed wildlife rehab center.
Unlike many mammals, opossum mothers do not return for babies that become separated from them. If a joey falls from her back or is left behind, it’s often truly orphaned and will need help to survive.
Here’s what to know:
1️⃣ Typically, if a baby opossum is smaller than the length of a water bottle (not including the tail), it cannot survive on its own.
2️⃣ These babies rely on expert care for warmth, hydration, feeding, and medical treatment.
3️⃣ Attempting DIY care (including releasing them too early) can be deadly. We've seen the baby opossums after DIY rehab attempts come in severely dehydrated, developing pneumonia by aspirating from improper feeding, suffering from metabolic bone disease from incorrect diets, and arriving with untreated injuries that needed immediate medical attention.
If you ever find a baby opossum alone, the best thing you can do is contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator as quickly as possible. Please do not try to raise, feed, or release it yourself.
☎️ We're here for you answering your messages as quickly as we can in this already crazy baby season. If you need help, please call and leave a voicemail at (615) 559-9453.
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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