Wild Awake Again
Baby season is here — and Northern Virginia's wildlife needs you more than ever.
These Kits Came In One at a Time
Fox kits in outdoor caging · Spring 2026
Most of these babies came through animal services, arriving one at a time and needing intensive around-the-clock care — tube feedings, temperature regulation, constant monitoring. But they made it.
They are now eating on their own and have moved into outdoor caging to begin the transition process. Foxes stay in rehabilitation for quite a while, building wariness of humans and the survival skills they need.
“We work hard not to acclimate them to humans — but we absolutely don't mind sneaking cameras around while they're sleeping.”
Our Geese Are Growing So Fast
A.E.R.O. goslings · Spring 2026
Fancy enrichment toys? Meh. A giant pile of overgrown weeds? Absolute perfection. Watching them dig, nibble, and act like tiny lawn maintenance crews is one of the best parts of raising geese.
This Cage Is a Palace
Opossum patients · Spring 2026
It might not look like much — but to our 20 baby opossums, this enclosure is everything. 10 ft long · 6 ft high · 6 ft wide. It safely runs electricity for warmth and gives babies space to start climbing and learning to be wild.
Hollowed logs give baby opossums, raccoons, and fox kits places to hide, explore, and build confidence. Please reach out if you can donate any!
Our Songbirds Are Doing Beautifully
Our songbirds are thriving and have officially moved into the outdoor cage. Thanks to the generous support of our donors, they now have the space to spread their wings, build up muscle strength, and practice all the natural behaviors they will need for life in the wild. Release day is getting closer — and it is going to be a good one.
Songbirds in outdoor caging · Spring 2026
Another Snake. Another Glue Trap.
Black rat snake rescued from residential glue trap
Glue traps do not discriminate. Snakes, birds, lizards — so many non-target animals end up stuck and dying slowly. Do NOT try to pull them off. Keep them calm, contained, and call a licensed rehabber immediately.
- Keep the animal calm and contained
- Do NOT pull the animal off the trap
- Contact a licensed wildlife rehabber immediately
- Cover with cloth to keep dark and calm during transport
The Loon That Took Three Vets & a River
Common Loon in care · Spring 2026
Loons are incredible swimmers and flyers — but genuinely terrible at walking on land. This one came in with a minor nail injury, cleared by two vets — but would not fly after release. Loons need up to a quarter mile of open water to take off. Rescuers Kim and Pat brought him to the Shenandoah River and the second he hit the water, he dove, caught fish, and flew away perfectly.
“The second he hit the water, he started diving, catching fish — and then flew away perfectly.”
These Winter Babies Are Finally Free
Soft release at Leopold's Preserve · Spring 2026
These squirrels arrived in late January and spent months in around-the-clock care. A soft release means a secure nesting box, cozy bedding, a predator guard, and stashed food — letting them explore the wild at their own pace.
Wild Birds Unlimited: Our Turtle Team
Wild Birds Unlimited outreach event · Spring 2026
Ari presented at Wild Birds Unlimited and introduced our turtle team to the public — a wonderful event teaching people about native turtles, why they belong in the wild, and how to safely help them.
The Numbers Behind Every Life
In 2025, 1,539 native wildlife came into rehab at A.E.R.O. — our largest intake year yet. We taught 68 educational classes, completed 198 rescue transfers, and hosted our first Annual Cocktail Fundraiser. None of it happens without you.
So Many Ways to Give
- Transport & Rescue — No license required
- Caregiving — Daily care under a licensed rehabber
- Apprenticeship — Work toward your VDWR license
- Category IV License — We will walk you through the 2026 process
olivia@aeroanimalrescue.org · (703) 493-0554
Help Us Keep Growing
Every donation builds cages, stocks supplies, and saves wildlife this season.
Donate to A.E.R.O. →
Dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of orphaned, injured, and sick native Virginia wildlife — since 2012.