Our VISION
The animals society condemns are the ones we choose to celebrate.
Carolina Waterfowl Rescue serves birds, reptiles, and farm animals from across the Carolinas and beyond—species too often misunderstood, neglected, or excluded from traditional animal care systems. Through decades of frontline rescue work, we have seen the critical gaps that exist in wildlife rehabilitation and compassionate pet care, and we are committed to closing them.
As one of the leading waterfowl and songbird rehabilitation centers on the East Coast for more than 20 years, CWR is uniquely positioned to advance understanding, access, and equity in animal healthcare—particularly for those living at the margins of public awareness and medical support. We call people to action by illuminating the realities faced by the animals we serve and challenging long-held misconceptions and stigma surrounding birds, reptiles, and farm animals.
With patience, perseverance, and purpose, we work to change hearts and systems alike. Whether in our own backyard or across the country, we are committed to advancing animal welfare—one animal, and one person, at a time.
OUR MISSION
Carolina Waterfowl Rescue rescues, rehabilitates, and provides sanctuary for wildlife and domestic animals while educating and inspiring communities to protect and value all animals and their habitats.
Our STRUCTURE
Carolina Waterfowl Rescue is built around a core mission: to care for animals who cannot help themselves. Over the years, our organization has grown to include multiple interconnected programs, each with a specific focus but all aligned under the same purpose—rescue, care, and education.
The heart of Carolina Waterfowl Rescue, the Rescue & Sanctuary is where our hands-on work happens. Here, we provide urgent medical care, rehabilitation, and permanent sanctuary for birds, reptiles, and domestic or farm animals.
WHO WE SERVE: Injured, orphaned, or surrendered wildlife and domestic animals from North and South Carolina.
OUR APPROACH: Each animal is assessed, treated, and rehabilitated with the goal of release whenever possible. Some receive permanent sanctuary status if release isn’t an option.
RESCUE. REHAB. RELEASE. REHOME.
An extension of Carolina Waterfowl Rescue’s mission, the CWR Learning Center focuses on education, training, and resource development. Rooted in decades of frontline rescue experience, the Learning Center exists to share knowledge, strengthen skills, and support the people and communities working to protect animals.
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WHO WE SERVE: Wildlife rehabilitators, caregivers, volunteers, youth, educators, and members of the public seeking reliable, experience-based guidance on wildlife care, ethical animal stewardship, and coexistence.
OUR APPROACH: We provide accessible education through training programs, workshops, community-based youth programs, resources, and public outreach—bridging critical gaps in knowledge, confidence, and support within wildlife rehabilitation and animal welfare. All offerings are informed by real-world rescue work and designed to empower others to act responsibly and compassionately.
RESCUE. EDUCATE. EMPOWER.
At its core, CWR Rescue & Sanctuary is where animals receive lifesaving, hands-on care. The CWR Learning Center (LLC) extends that work by educating and empowering rehabilitators, caregivers, youth, and communities through training, resources, and outreach. Together, these efforts form a full-circle approach to animal welfare—rescuing animals in crisis, strengthening the people who care for them, and building more informed, compassionate communities for the future.