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September 27, 2006
OHIO WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR IS NOMINEE FOR
ANIMAL PLANET “HERO OF THE YEAR”
 COLUMBUS, OH - Wildlife rehabilitator Mona Rutger, operator of Back To The Wild near Castalia in Erie County, is a finalist for cable television’s Animal Planet “Hero of the Year” contest, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
Rutger and her husband, Bill, provide volunteer aid to more than 2,200 injured, orphaned or displaced animals each year at Back To The Wild, in most instances preparing them for a return to their natural habitats. “This job has me going nearly 24 hours a day. It can get crazy, but there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing,” said Rutger.
For the Rutgers and their staff, the job does not stop at treating and releasing injured wildlife. Last year they reached out to more than 53,000 children and adults with wildlife education and conservation programs.
“Education is so important to me,” said Rutger. “I feel particularly privileged to be able to help kids make a connection to their natural world.”
Now in operation for 15 years, Back To The Wild relies on individual contributions for support. If selected as Animal Planet’s “Hero of the Year,” Rutger would receive $10,000 for Back To The Wild’s operations.
Ohioans can cast their votes for Rutger and Back To The Wild by visiting animalplanet.com before the October 8 competition deadline.
Rutger is one of 88 licensed wildlife rehabilitators in Ohio, according to Carolyn Caldwell, wildlife management assistant administrator with the Division of Wildlife.
“Today’s wildlife rehabilitator serves as an ambassador for wildlife conservation, responding to an ever increasing number of persons seeking assistance for orphaned and injured wildlife which they encounter,” said Caldwell.
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