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 desire to file with the IRS for a non-profit Wildlife Sanctuary status, but do not have the funds to do so. All monies to run this rescue comes from the rescue itself and it takes all of our incomes to feed and care for the animals.
We operate a place of refuge where abused, neglected, unwanted, impounded, abandoned, orphaned, or displaced animals are provided care for the lifetime of the animal if an adoption to a lifetime home can not be achieved.
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 manager 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, not native to the state that it is sold, or possibly any animal not considered a domesticated pet (such as wolf hybrids, bobcats, etc.) is considered an exotic.
Exotic animals are purchased as pets, display animals, breeding purposes, reselling, or for other 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. There are several states, cities, towns, etc. with bans on exotic animals, Your town may have a ban or restrictions on ownership of certain animals, so you want to check local laws before making a purchase! Federal laws are changing more and more to govern the sell and transport of certain animals across the country.
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!
Wild Rescue One desires to grow to be able to rescue all typ
es of animals, from the exotics listed above, to domesticated animals such as cats, dogs, horses, and others.
Lack of funding restricts what we are able to do. The future is uncertain for private ownership in Ohio on certain exotic animals. Due to this, Wild Rescue One is currently on hold awaiting the new proposed bill. It is possible that the new laws may prevent or severely restrict what rescues we will be able to do. It may shut us down completely!
Currently Wild Rescue One is not taking in any large constrictor or venomous snakes and is not accepting any crocodilians. Sorry for any inconvenience!
Educational Programs
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.
Funding
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.