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Rescue, Rehabilitate, Release

Read the latest Newsletter

Call  989-389-3305  with any questions or concerns about found animals 

Injured Osprey standing on artificial turf within a newspaper-covered veterinary kennel

Wildlife Tips

  • NEVER give any wildlife cow’s milk.

  • It is helpful to keep a baby animal warm and in a quiet area.

  • Do not give any food to wildlife. Many have very specific diets and you could easily do more harm than good.

  • We can only take raccoons and fawns from certain counties, so call us before you bring one in.

  • We cannot take skunks or bats.

  • Not sure what to do? CALL US!

Our Mission 

A Second Chance for Injured and Orphaned Wildlife

Rehabilitation

Each year, the A.R.K. rehabilitates hundreds of injured and orphaned wildlife, giving them a second chance at life. The A.R.K. never charges to admit an injured or orphaned animal.

Education

Our wildlife education programs, featuring our live, non-releasable ambassadors, have reached thousands of children and adults, teaching about the importance of their species to the wild.

We take in injured and orphaned wildlife from around the state of Michigan, depending on species. Ark is located in St. Helen, MI. Found an animal who needs our help? Call us immediately at 989-389-3305.  Outside of our area? Click on AnimalHelpNow to find a rehabilitator near you.

Rescue

Our wildlife are provided with the best care and enrichment we can provide, with the ultimate goal of returning them to their wild habitat.

Rehabilitate

The A.R.K. releases hundreds of animals back to the wild each year. Non-releasable animals who are good candidates are placed in AZA-accredited zoos or other qualified education centers whenever possible.

Release

Miss Peeps, the broad-winged hawk, posing for a portrait

Ms. Peeps

Broad-Winged Hawk

Sadie, the gray fox, looking straight at the camera

Sadie

Gray Fox

Rascal, the raccoon, grinning mischeviously at the camera with an apple between his front feet

Rascal

Raccoon

Aero, the barred owl, looking inquisitively at the human behind the camera

Zero

Barred Owl

Willow, an Opossum looking adorable in a pink harness as she walks around on the ground

Willow

Virginia Opossum

Zephyr & Rocky, the flying squirrels, in their enclosure. One peeks out from inside a hollow coconut while the other climbs atop the hollow coconut.

Zephyr & Rocky

Southern Flying Squirrels

Chuck, the groundhog, eating a piece of broccoli

Chuck

Groundhog

Boudica, the great horned owl, staring intently at the human taking her photo

Boudica

Great Horned Owl

We believe education is powerful advocacy

Meet Our Ambassador Animals

A young man holds a sedated bobcat up to the camera after the initial intake

Our Impact

See the Lives We’ve Touched

2025

71 Turtles admitted

90% survival rate after 48 hours

A bald eagle that was rescued and admitted for lead poisoning, looks backward over her wings.

Bald Eagle 25-4

Admitted with lead poisoning from Tawas. Returned home to her mate after 27 days in care to remove the lead from her body.

2024

Rescued 1444 animals

139 different species

77.67% survival rate after 48 hours

Athena, the rescued bobcat, looking healthy and staring at the camera for her picture

Athena,

North American Bobcat

Admitted after being hit by a car as a juvenile. Head trauma & physical injuries cause her to be non-releasable. Athena is currently an education ambassador at the Ohio Wildlife Center.

2025

Rescued 1885 animals

176 different species

83.36% survival rate after 48 hours

Ellie, the eastern coyote, laying down and looking at the camera

Ellie,

Eastern Coyote

Ellie was raised by the public and admitted with a severe infection.

She was, unfortunately, non-releasable, but is now an education ambassador at the Ohio Wildlife Center, where she resides with her new friend, Casper.

Make a difference today

Get Involved with the ARK

A smiling young woman wearing glasses and gloves holds a very happy otter, who smiles for the camera

A.R.K. is always seeking responsible and hardworking volunteers. Areas that require volunteers include feeding and caring for wildlife, laundry, animal enrichment, and education. No experience? No worries! Training is provided.

Volunteer

A wildlife veterinarian examining a bald eagle under an xray machine

As an intern for the A.R.K. you will gain an in-depth experience of what it is like to work in the fast-paced field of wildlife rehabilitation, from intake to release. Interns will learn to assess admits, perform x-rays, and provide basic treatment and care. When our wildlife vet is on-site, there will be opportunities to observe surgeries and ask questions about the field of veterinary medicine. Interns will gain knowledge of various species of wildlife and their behaviors and needs.

Internships

A table filled with educational materials such as pelts, feet, and wings

A.R.K. is state and federally permitted to use non-releasable wildlife ambassadors to teach people about the importance of their species. Our ambassadors are carefully selected to ensure a safe and fun learning experience. Our Scientific Collector's permit allows us to use touchable artifacts from real animals, such as wings, pelts, and talons, to enhance learning and understanding.

Education

A little chipmunk with a cast on its leg, sleeps curled up in a hand

We Need Your Support!

Your donation directly helps provide food and medical care to injured and orphaned wildlife. Every dollar helps and is gratefully received. On behalf of our animals—we thank you!

Frequency

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Amount

$30

$60

$90

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We also accept Paypal and Venmo

Mailing a check?

Please make checks payable to "Association to Rescue Kritters" and send to:

3878 S Maple Valley Rd

Saint Helen, MI 48656

A mother opossum and her brood of babies inside a travel carrier filled with hay

Get in Touch

We’re Here to Help

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