Two Hearts Wildlife Rehab Rescue and Sanctuary is built upon the foundational principle of humane stewardship, operating officially as a licensed 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused solely on native wildlife. Our operations encompass a full spectrum of care, starting with emergency rescue and intake, moving through a dedicated, state-of-the-art rehabilitation process, and culminating in careful and scientifically informed release efforts. This journey is overseen by a team of veterinary technicians, licensed rehabilitators, and experienced volunteers who adhere to the highest standards of animal welfare and ethical practice, ensuring that the primary goal is always successful reintroduction into the wild. We maintain specialized housing, including heated nursery units for orphans, flight cages for raptors, and large pre-release enclosures designed to minimize habituation and promote natural behaviors like foraging and predator avoidance. Our organizational structure ensures round-the-clock availability for critical emergencies, making us a reliable resource for local law enforcement, animal control, and the concerned public in the Sunset, SC area and surrounding counties, reinforcing our role as crucial first responders for imperiled wildlife.

Our educational philosophy extends beyond mere observation; we aim to foster a deep, actionable understanding of wildlife conservation and human-wildlife coexistence within the community. We firmly believe that the best defense for wildlife is an informed and empathetic populace, which is why we dedicate significant resources to public outreach, including presentations, informational materials, and guided workshops (subject to health and safety protocols for our patients). The core tenet of this philosophy is the concept of non-interference and responsible reporting, teaching citizens when to intervene, how to safely transport an animal, and—perhaps most importantly—when to simply leave an animal alone, such as seemingly abandoned fawns or baby rabbits. By illustrating the complex, fragile nature of wildlife rehabilitation and the high standards of care required, we empower community members to become proactive stewards of their local environment, thereby reducing the instances of human-caused injuries and conflicts that necessitate our rescue services in the first place.

The journey of Two Hearts Wildlife Rehab Rescue and Sanctuary began over a decade ago with a simple, yet profound, act of compassion by our founders, recognizing a critical void in local resources dedicated to injured native wildlife. Starting as a small, home-based operation specializing in migratory birds and small mammals, the immediate and overwhelming need for professional, permitted care quickly became apparent, prompting the formal establishment of the organization. The initial challenge involved securing the necessary state and federal permits, building appropriate, non-public enclosures, and developing a network of trusted veterinary professionals willing to donate time and expertise to non-domestic patients, all while managing the constant influx of new rescues. This pioneering spirit and determination to provide licensed, high-quality care quickly earned the trust of local authorities and the public, leading to rapid expansion of both our physical facility and our capacity to handle larger, more complex species, laying the groundwork for the comprehensive center we operate today.

The critical phase of rescue and intake begins immediately upon receiving a call or having an animal delivered to our center, requiring swift, systematic assessment to maximize the chance of survival and recovery. Our protocols dictate that every animal undergoes immediate triage upon arrival, which includes stabilizing life-threatening conditions, performing a thorough physical examination for external injuries, and initiating pain management as quickly as possible, often in consultation with our collaborating veterinarians to determine the need for immediate surgical intervention or specialized diagnostics like X-rays. Detailed documentation is created for each patient, recording the location of rescue, the presumed cause of injury, species, age class, and initial prognosis, all of which is critical for guiding the subsequent rehabilitation plan and legal release documentation. This initial process is deliberately designed to be as stress-free as possible for the animal, utilizing quiet, dimly lit environments and minimal handling, recognizing that stress can significantly impede the healing process in wild patients who are not accustomed to human presence.