About Us
Wild Rescue One is a not for profit organization created
to rescue and rehabilitate native, exotic and domestic animals, to
be an educational resource, and to help those owning exotic and
domestic pets. The Rescue is owned and operated by Michael Welsh.
We do not conduct any commercial activity with respect to any
animals such as:
We Do Not sale, trade, auction, lease,
or loan any animal
We Do Not use any animal in any manner in a for-profit
business or operation
We Do Not Does use any animal for
entertainment purposes or in a traveling exhibit
We Do Not breed any animal
We Do conduct educational
presentations with live animals for a hands-on experience, but with
professionally trained handlers utilizing safety measures to ensure
that the public and the animals are safe at all times
Michael Welsh holds an Associate Degree of Applied Science in the Field of Parks, Recreation, and Wildlife from Muskingum Tech (now called Zane State College) and a Bachelor's of Science in the field of Biology from Muskingum College (now called Muskingum University). Michael began rescuing exotic animals and native wildlife in 2001 and is highly knowledgeable and experienced with exotic and native reptiles.
Michael is married to Deanne, a Registered Nurse, and together they have three children: Christian, Emily and Nathan.
Michael currently works as the camp caretaker at Friendly Hills Grange Camp and Conference Center in Zanesville, OH. (Muskingum County)
Native Wildlife
Every year thousands of our Native Wildlife are injured by Feral Animals, Automobiles, People or Predators.
When these animals are found they need proper care and nutrition to survive.
Sometimes People are their last hope.
Other cases may fall under being orphaned because their parents have become injured or killed by the same means listed above.
We provide care and rehabilitation of most of Ohio's Native Wildlife, with the sole purpose of returning the animals back into the wild.
We work hand in hand with several veterinarians and other rescues to provide our native wildlife with the best care possible during their short stay in captivity before being released back into the wild
Exotic Animals
Whether
the animal is a bird, mammal, or reptile, any animal that is not
native to the United States is considered an exotic.
Exotic animals are purchased as pets, display animals, and unfortunately, other cruel or inhumane reasons.
These animals are sold at local pet stores, breeders, exotic animal shows, and auctions.
There is no federal law forbidding the sale or ownership of exotic animals, only local state or city ordinances, which most people ignore.
Exotic animals owned can range from something as small as a 6” gecko to something as large and dangerous as an 8-foot alligator or a 500 lb. Tiger.
When these animals become to big, to hard to handle, or their owners just don’t want them anymore, there is no place for them to go…. that’s where we come in!
Currently Wild Rescue One is no longer rescuing Exotic Animals!
We desire to grow to be able to rescue all types of animals, from
the exotics listed above, to domesticated animals such as cats,
dogs, horses, and
others.
We offer Educational Programs and Speakers on topics such as the problems with the exotic pet trade, how it is effecting the natural habitat of these creatures, how it effects our lives and safety here in the United States, issue’s concerning the exotic pet trade, Ohio’s Wildlife, solutions to these issues and how you can help.
We have many different programs ranging on educational levels from preschoolers to adults.
Please contact us for a complete list of programs.
Wild Rescue receives no government or tax support. We depend solely on our current employment, our spouses, and donations to feed and care for the animals we rescue and to assist with on-going operations. The rescue employs no paid staff and operates entirely by Mike and his family. Understand that we work full time jobs and may not respond as fast as you desire.
Any type of donation is greatly appreciated and all proceeds go directly to the animals in our care.