Aware is a non-profit organization created to provide an alliance of concerned citizens and permitted wildlife rehabilitators dedicated to helping wildlife in need. We seek to increase public awareness of conservation issues and methods of minimizing human and pet conflicts with wildlife.
"In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught."
Baba Dioum (Senegalese forestry engineer)
Our Beginning
Aware began with a small group of wildlife rehabilitators who feel strongly that part of our responsibility to the wildlife we love is to educate the public about the animals that live in our backyards, parks, forests, etc. We want people to understand the important role that every animal plays in our ecosystems. Also, the importance of saving wild spaces and learning to coexist with wildlife.
Our Mission
To rehabilitate, provide sanctuary, and individualized care for Virginia's native wildlife with the intent to release. We do this in accordance with Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources guidelines.
We will, through educational programs, raise public awareness of conservation issues and encourage peaceful coexistence with wildlife.
Aware has a team of Educators and Wildlife Ambassadors that can come to your school, library, church, or other venue to present a program for your group or organization. You will learn about the behaviors, diets, and habitats of our native Virginia wildlife.
We bring a variety of native birds, mammals, and reptiles. You will hear their stories about why they came into rehab, and why they are non-releasable.