Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter and Education Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) wildlife shelter where injured, sick, and orphaned native North Carolina wildlife is cared for in a professional and compassionate manner. Since our founding in 1988 OWLS has admitted over 90,000 patients. The animals admitted are scared, cold, hungry, in pain or in most cases in shock. Our primary goal is to rescue, admit, and provide immediate care to injured, sick, or orphaned wildlife. This involves creating a safe environment where animals can receive proper medical attention and initial stabilization. We strive to rehabilitate animals back to health and restore their natural behaviors to prepare them for the eventual release back into their native habitats where they can thrive independently. Our staff and volunteers work hard to ensure that animals are physically and emotionally ready for release. This process may involve various medical treatments, physical therapy, and behavioral conditioning. We receive no state or federal funding. We depend on the good nature of the public and it is through the generosity of the public that we remain in operation. Thanks to everyone for your support, past, present and future.