Help Theta Grimaud support local wildlife!

Fast Facts about Raven Ridge: 

• Over the past decade, we have cared for 326 unique species of wildlife!
• Raven Ridge is one of 13 centers across the state that work with birds or prey and rabies vector species mammals.
• Raven Ridge has a team of over 40 dedicated volunteers who work together to provide animal care, run education programs, hold fundraising events, and provide transport services.
• Raven Ridge has 10 permanent resident animal ambassadors ranging from skunks to turtles to a variety of birds of prey.  In 2025 alone, these animals have given over 70 education programs across Lancaster County and beyond! 

My story with Raven Ridge Wildlife Center:

When and why did you start volunteering at Raven Ridge? 

I started volunteering at Raven Ridge in March of 2022, after attending a local public program.  I learned about the mission of Raven Ridge at that program. I could tell Tracie and Rosemarie had the knowledge, compassion, and desire to help our wildlife.  I immediately asked about volunteering and started as soon as I could. Honestly, this is the best after retirement volunteer position I could have found.

What is your favorite part about volunteering at Raven Ridge? 

Tracie, the Rehabilitator, strongly believes in giving each animal the benefit of the doubt for a second chance at life, if possible. In the past 3.5 years, I have worked with her on some very difficult cases, some we have lost, and many we have successfully returned to their wild home. I continue to learn how to help the ill, injured, abandoned/orphaned animals heal and return to their wild home. I enjoy helping to educate the public, children to adults, about our wildlife and their benefits to the world we share.

What is your favorite species to work with at the center?

My favorite species? Racoons. 

I love taking them from bottle-fed babies,

.........  to growing juveniles

  ........to released teenagers.

They are very intelligent and learn their skills quickly, even from their human "parents". When they are released, you know they will do well on their own when you watch them explore their new home and tell you "Goodbye!" 

Raccoons may be my favorite, but I have learned about and love working with Skunks, Opossums, Hawks, Owls, Beavers, and Bald Eagles.... actually, whatever comes in the door.

What have you learned about wildlife since starting at Raven Ridge?

I have and continue to learn about the connection of the lives of Wildlife to the lives of Humans. I learn something new every day, such as the habitat of animals we serve and how that benefits us, the diets of wildlife and how we can support their health to promote our health, how our use of poisons affects their lives and the entire food chain. The most dramatic learning experiences have been what lead poisoning does to wildlife and how devastating poisoning affects foxes and Birds of Prey.

I also learn how much each animal that comes in for care senses our compassion to their situation and their trust that we do what is in the animal's best interest for care. I believe in the mission of giving a second chance for life, whenever possible. I believe it is now my duty to help protect my wildlife family and educate my human family on the needs for all to live together. 

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your experience? 

My two professions before retirement were Law Enforcement and Occupational Therapy. Both careers have made this volunteer position even more amazing. Law Enforcement taught me how to handle all types of situations; good and bad. Occupational Therapy taught me how to help people and families deal with injury, illness, and death. I am able to use these skills to help with the care and release of animals like:

A Mallard who had fishing line wrapped so tight on the leg we thought it would never use the leg again.  This duck regained full use of the leg and happily joined friends on release.

An endangered Short-eared Owl that required an Open Reduction Internal Fixation of a bone in the wing. Scar tissue reduction and range of motion was required to help this bird regain the ability to fly and be successfully released.

A bald Eagle with a spinal injury that made him unable to self-feed as he couldn't stand or use his talons. He required extensive neuro-muscular rehabilitation to regain functional use of his lower extremities.  He was released, fully able to stand, self-feed, and fly up into the thermals where Eagles soar.

Please donate through the Lancaster Extra Give on November 21, to help us continue our mission of helping ill, injured, abandoned/orphaned wildlife return home.  Thank you!