Wildlife Rehabilitation

NATIVE WILDLIFE REHABILITATION

The Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue is a licensed rehabilitation facility that maintains permits from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) to care for sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife. Over the years, we have provided medical treatment to hundreds of animals, including foxes, bobcats, squirrels, raccoons and many more. With the help of our staff many of these animals are able to recover and return to their natural habitat.

To ensure our Wildlife Rehabilitation Staff is available to care for the animal, please call and speak with a rehab representative BEFORE bringing the animal to the zoo.

Contact Wildlife Rehab personnel by calling 865-457-5536. Please LEAVE US A MESSAGE and we will return your call as quickly as possible to arrange your admission.

Due to staffing, The Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue is not available to perform animal rescues. All animals that need rescuing will need to be brought to the Zoo after arranging an admission with our staff.

What happens to rescued wildlife?

The Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue operates as a full service wildlife rehabilitation facility. The animals brought to the Zoo are assessed and cared for until they are ready to be released back into the wilds. If you find an injured, orphaned, or displaced animal, please contact us directly.

Can I care for wildlife myself?

For the safety of the animals and individuals, Tennessee state law PROHIBITS individuals keeping wildlife without a permit. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Staff can assist you with emergency instructions to care for the animal until you can get it to a licensed rehabilitator.

WHAT WE CAN ACCEPT

Animals We Accept

Beavers
Bobcats
Foxes
Groundhogs
Minks
Opossums
Otters
Rabbits
Raccoons
Small rodents
Skunks
Squirrels
Weasels
Reptiles and Amphibians

NOTICE: We are not accepting any wild/migratory bird species at this time.

NOTICE: Due to Chronic Wasting Disease, White Tailed Deer, including fawns, are no longer able to be rehabilitated in the state of Tennessee. The Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue will only be able to take in injured fawns that are needing humane euthanasia.