FALLS CHURCH, VA — Wildlife Rescue League (WRL) is thrilled to announce that Holly Hazard, a lifelong animal rights advocate and Virginia leader, will serve as co-chair of its Putting Down Roots capital campaign — a transformative effort to build its first-ever Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Ms. Hazard will join Rachel Feeney, an accomplished marketing and events strategist, in chairing the Putting Down Roots Capital Campaign.
Hazard brings extensive experience and leadership in animal protection, advocacy, and public service to WRL’s campaign. Hazard is a founding member of 4 Public Education, a grassroots advocacy group dedicated to public education, served over a decade as Senior Vice President at The Humane Society of the United States, and is currently Chief of Staff to Virginia State Senator Barbara Favola.
“Holly’s leadership, experience, and passion for animal protection make her the perfect addition to our campaign team,” said Wildlife Rescue League Board President Beth Axelrod. “Together, Holly and Rachel are a dynamic force, guiding us toward a future where Virginia’s wildlife have the care and support they need to thrive.”
The Putting Down Roots capital campaign launched in 2023 with the donation of land from a generous WRL supporter. In April, the Caroline County Planning Commission unanimously approved WRL’s Special Exception Application, clearing the way for the development of the new center.
Thanks to generous support from the community, Putting Down Roots has already reached 52% of its $1.6 million goal to cover construction costs and the first year of operations and staffing for the new facility. Wildlife Rescue League plans to open the new center in 2026.
Once completed, the new Wildlife Rehabilitation Center will offer:
- Daily wildlife intake by transporters, the public, and animal control personnel
- On-site veterinary care
- Hands-on training for wildlife rehabilitators
- Educational classes about native Virginia wildlife for the public
- 94.5 acres to include 50 acres of wetland, preserved and cared for by Wildlife Rescue League
Through this remarkable new Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Wildlife Rescue League will expand its service area, provide more support for volunteers, care for animals with more complex needs, and save more animal lives.
To learn more about the Putting Down Roots campaign and the news Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, visit www.wildliferescueleague.org/rehabcenter
Wildlife Rescue League is a non-profit 501(c)(3) community-based organization dedicated to providing care for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife with the intent of releasing them back into their native habitat. Our licensed rehabilitators, located throughout Northern Virginia and surrounding areas, work with a network of volunteers, wildlife centers, animal shelters, humane societies, nature centers, and veterinary hospitals to provide life-saving help for wildlife in need.
