WILDLIFE EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION OF LOUISIANA INC

Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation of Louisiana (WERLA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured, orphaned, displaced, and nuisance wildlife throughout Louisiana. Our mission is rooted in compassion, conservation, education, and community service — giving native wildlife a second chance while creating meaningful opportunities for healing, purpose, and connection within our community.

WERLA works closely with disabled veterans and community volunteers who find purpose and therapeutic value through wildlife rehabilitation, rescue support, habitat care, transportation, education, and animal recovery efforts. Many of the veterans involved with our organization have discovered that caring for wildlife provides a calming and meaningful outlet that supports emotional well-being, connection, and renewed purpose through service to animals and the community.

Our organization is fortunate to have the support and guidance of three retired veterinarians who contribute their experience, medical knowledge, and compassionate care to help wildlife in need. Their involvement allows WERLA to provide a higher level of rehabilitation support and medical assessment for injured and orphaned animals entering our care.

Every year, WERLA responds to hundreds of calls involving wildlife emergencies. From orphaned squirrels and songbirds to injured owls, raccoons, opossums, and birds of prey, our team works tirelessly to provide lifesaving care with the goal of returning healthy animals back to the wild where they belong. We work closely with licensed wildlife rehabilitators, veterinarians, volunteers, and state and federal wildlife agencies to ensure animals receive proper care, nutrition, rehabilitation, and release planning.

WERLA also maintains a strong partnership with local animal control agencies, including the Bossier City Animal Control division. In the past, injured or nuisance wildlife collected by animal control often had limited options and were frequently euthanized due to a lack of rehabilitation resources. Since partnering with WERLA, local animal control officers now contact our organization to assist with injured, displaced, and nuisance wildlife whenever possible. Our team works to evaluate the animals, rehabilitate those that are injured or orphaned, and relocate healthy nuisance wildlife to safe and appropriate habitats where they can continue to live naturally in the wild. This partnership has helped reduce unnecessary euthanasia and created a more compassionate outcome for local wildlife throughout the community.

Education remains at the heart of our rescue mission. WERLA helps educate the public on humane wildlife practices, proper intervention techniques, and peaceful coexistence with native wildlife. Through educational outreach, community events, partnerships, and volunteer involvement, we strive to inspire compassion, stewardship, and respect for Louisiana’s natural wildlife and habitats.

As a nonprofit organization, WERLA relies heavily on donations, volunteers, and community support to provide food, medical supplies, rescue equipment, transportation, habitat materials, and veterinary care for the animals we serve. Every contribution directly impacts the lives of injured and orphaned wildlife in our care.

At the heart of WERLA is a simple belief: every wild life matters. Whether it is a tiny orphaned squirrel needing around-the-clock care, an injured owl preparing for release back into the wild, or a nuisance animal safely relocated instead of euthanized, WERLA is committed to providing hope, healing, and a second chance for both wildlife and the people who dedicate themselves to protecting it.