RWS in the Press
Extra! Extra! Read all about it!
Press Information
RWS staff members are available to respond to a wide variety of inquiries involving wild animals, coexistence and stewardship, environmental affairs, and human-wildlife conflicts. The Sanctuary also maintains a large library of digital images of current and past wildlife patients that we are happy to share for credited use. Please contact:
Sarah Cooperman, Executive Director
sarah@rockfishwildlifesanctuary.org
(434) 207-2417
Please visit our Upcoming Events page to learn more about where you can find the Sanctuary in our community.
July 31, 2025
Community Conversations:
Bat Rehabilitation & Conservation
Executive Director Sarah Cooperman spoke with NBC29's Steve Rappaport about native bat rehabilitation and how you can support bat populations at home.
WATCH on NBC29
July 24, 2025
Community Conversations: Chimney Swift season is here
Executive Director Sarah Cooperman spoke with NBC29's Steve Rappaport about Chimney Swift care and conservation.
WATCH on NBC29
July 17, 2025
Community Conversations: Snake Week with Ambassador Autumn
Autumn the Corn Snake joins the NBC29 team n the studio to discuss snake coexistence and conservation in celebration of Snake Week.
WATCH on NBC29
July 10, 2025
Community Conversations: Wildlife & Extreme Heat
Executive director Sarah Cooperman spoke with NBC29's Steve Rappaport about supporting backyard wildlife through heat wave events.
WATCH on NBC29
VIEW MORE
August 7, 2025
It's the Season of Wildlife Releases at RWS!
Executive Director Sarah Cooperman spoke with NBC29's Steve Rappaport about some recent wildlife releases at the Sanctuary and our release protocols.
WATCH on NBC29
July 9, 2025
Abandoned or injured animals find care at Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary
Summertime gives more people the chance to get outdoors and makes encounters with animals out in nature more common.
Read on Cville Right Now
July 3, 2025
Community Conversations: Volunteering On-Site at RWS
RWS volunteer and Rivanna Master Naturalist David Volin spoke with NBC29's Steve Rappaport about his ongoing volunteerism at RWS.
WATCH on NBC29
June 27, 2025
106.1 The Corner radio interview
Our executive director spoke with The Corner's Samantha Federico about wildlife baby season, the Sanctuary's ambassadors, and tips for helping wildlife through extreme heat.
Listen on 106.1 The corner
June 26, 2025
Community Conversations: Board Members & Volunteering at RWS
RWS board member Adam Miller spoke with NBC29's Steve Rappaport about volunteering behind the scenes at the Sanctuary.
WATCH on NBC29
June 12, 2025
Community Conversations: Ratsnake Patient of the Month
Executive director Sarah Cooperman spoke with NBC29's Kate Nuechterlein about a recent patient rescue story that stuck with us!
WATCH on NBC29
June 5, 2025
Community Conversations: Snapping Turtles
Executive director Sarah Cooperman spoke with NBC29's Steve Rappaport about snapping turtle myths, facts, and tips.
WATCH on NBC29
May 12, 2025
Community Conversations: Baby Season
Executive director Sarah Cooperman spoke with NBC29's Erin Brown about the Sanctuary's busy season and upcoming renovation projects.
WATCH on NBC29
April 17, 2025
Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary expects record amount of patients this baby season
We spoke with WVIR NBC29 about the start of wildlife baby season and what folks can do to help a baby animal in need.
WATCH on NBC29
March 28, 2025
Hummingbird migration is here!
We spoke with the WVIR NBC29 team about attracting hummingbirds to your yard safely this migration season.
WATCH on NBC29
March 19, 2025
Wildlife Wednesday: Opossum Mating Season
We spoke with the CBS19 team about opossum mating season tips and tricks alongside Leonard, one of our education ambassador opossums.
WATCH on CBS19
VIEW MORE
February 10, 2025
Education ambassador Fiona makes her debut!
We caught up with CBS19's Cassidie Stevens to introduce Fiona, our new education ambassador opossum.
WATCH on CBS19
November 20, 2024
Wildlife sanctuary takes in 1,000 patients this year so far
The very big milestone came in the form of a very small package. Two orphaned white-footed mice were rescued from Charlottesville and transported to Rockfish for care.
READ on nbc29
November 8, 2024
In the Rockfish Valley, an Animal Sanctuary Celebrates 20 Years
Nature can be brutal, but a good many of the serious injuries Sarah Cooperman sees in her patients at the Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary are caused by humans...
Read on Crozet Gazette
June 30, 2024
Tattoo fundraiser supports Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary
People were at Moose’s by the Creek the weekend of June 30 getting some new ink and it was all for charity.
Read on NBC29
February 9, 2024
‘Hugs N’ Bugs:’ Name a worm after an ex at Nelson County animal sanctuary
If you are not feeling the love this Valentine’s Day, one wildlife sanctuary in Nelson County has an idea.
Read on WFXR
February 8, 2024
Wildlife sanctuary raising funds by letting you name bug after an ex
The Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary in Nelson County is adding a fun or revengeful twist to Valentine’s Day.
Watch on NBC29
October 4, 2023
Climate change brings a growing challenge for wildlife sanctuary
Executive Director Sarah Cooperman spoke with Sandy Hausman (Virginia Public Radio) about the impacts of climate change on RWS's work.
Listen on Radio iq
May 24, 2023
Down the foxhole
"The Big Picture" feature in C-Ville Weekly, written about a fox rehab success story at RWS.
Read on C-Ville weekly
May 7, 2023
Selvedge Brewing hosts baby shower for Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary
Our "wildlife baby shower" at Selvedge Brewing helped RWS collect much-needed items for our wildlife baby season.
Read on NBC29
April 1, 2023
Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary renests two Great Horned Owlets
The Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary and the Virginia Department of Forestry recently helped to renest two baby Great Horned owls.
Read on CBS19
VIEW MORE
March 29, 2023
'Green Future of Nelson' expo highlights conservation, natural resources
RWS was a featured participant at an expo celebrating Nelson County's conservation-oriented businesses and groups.
Read on The news & advance
January 11, 2023
There's A Little-Known Wildlife Sanctuary In Virginia And It's Magical
This animal sanctuary in Virginia is one where all ages can learn about the importance of protecting Virginia’s native species.
Read on only in your state
April 7, 2022
Nelson County women committed to protecting animals
The "Founding Mothers" helping Nelson County's domestic and wild animals.
READ on Radio iq
December 24, 2021
Baby squirrels at wildlife sanctuary show signs of climate change
Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary has received its latest ever baby wildlife admission. It's a sign that animals are picking up on climate change.
READ on CBS19
November 14, 2019
North Branch welcomes wildlife in just long enough to learn
North Branch School welcomed a few guests Thursday, including a sleepy opossum, a slithery snake, and a friendly turtle.
READ on The news & Advance
July 24, 2019
Teach a Reporter: Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary
Reporter Erin Conway joins staff member Sarah Cooperman at the Sanctuary for a "day in the life" as a wildlife rehabilitator.
READ on The news & Advance
June 7, 2019
Fantastic Mr. Fox, at Home in Crozet
Living alongside foxes and red fox kits, with input from the Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary team.
READ on The crozet gazette
July 31, 2025
Community Conversations:
Bat Rehabilitation & Conservation
Executive Director Sarah Cooperman spoke with NBC29's Steve Rappaport about native bat rehabilitation and how you can support bat populations at home.
WATCH on NBC29
July 24, 2025
Community Conversations: Chimney Swift season is here
Executive Director Sarah Cooperman spoke with NBC29's Steve Rappaport about Chimney Swift care and conservation.
WATCH on NBC29
July 17, 2025
Community Conversations: Snake Week with Ambassador Autumn
Autumn the Corn Snake joins the NBC29 team n the studio to discuss snake coexistence and conservation in celebration of Snake Week.
WATCH on NBC29
July 10, 2025
Community Conversations: Wildlife & Extreme Heat
Executive director Sarah Cooperman spoke with NBC29's Steve Rappaport about supporting backyard wildlife through heat wave events.
WATCH on NBC29
July 9, 2025
Abandoned or injured animals find care at Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary
Summertime gives more people the chance to get outdoors and makes encounters with animals out in nature more common.
Read on Cville Right Now
July 3, 2025
Community Conversations: Volunteering On-Site at RWS
RWS volunteer and Rivanna Master Naturalist David Volin spoke with NBC29's Steve Rappaport about his ongoing volunteerism at RWS.
WATCH on NBC29
June 27, 2025
106.1 The Corner radio interview
Our executive director spoke with The Corner's Samantha Federico about wildlife baby season, the Sanctuary's ambassadors, and tips for helping wildlife through extreme heat.
Listen on 106.1 The corner
June 26, 2025
Community Conversations: Board Members & Volunteering at RWS
RWS board member Adam Miller spoke with NBC29's Steve Rappaport about volunteering behind the scenes at the Sanctuary.
WATCH on NBC29
June 12, 2025
Community Conversations: Ratsnake Patient of the Month
Executive director Sarah Cooperman spoke with NBC29's Kate Nuechterlein about a recent patient rescue story that stuck with us!
WATCH on NBC29
June 5, 2025
Community Conversations: Snapping Turtles
Executive director Sarah Cooperman spoke with NBC29's Steve Rappaport about snapping turtle myths, facts, and tips.
WATCH on NBC29
May 12, 2025
Community Conversations: Baby Season
Executive director Sarah Cooperman spoke with NBC29's Erin Brown about the Sanctuary's busy season and upcoming renovation projects.
WATCH on NBC29
April 17, 2025
Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary expects record amount of patients this baby season
We spoke with WVIR NBC29 about the start of wildlife baby season and what folks can do to help a baby animal in need.
WATCH on NBC29
March 28, 2025
Hummingbird migration is here!
We spoke with the WVIR NBC29 team about attracting hummingbirds to your yard safely this migration season.
WATCH on NBC29
March 19, 2025
Wildlife Wednesday: Opossum Mating Season
We spoke with the CBS19 team about opossum mating season tips and tricks alongside Leonard, one of our education ambassador opossums.
WATCH on CBS19
February 10, 2025
Education ambassador Fiona makes her debut!
We caught up with CBS19's Cassidie Stevens to introduce Fiona, our new education ambassador opossum.
WATCH on CBS19
November 20, 2024
Wildlife sanctuary takes in 1,000 patients this year so far
The very big milestone came in the form of a very small package. Two orphaned white-footed mice were rescued from Charlottesville and transported to Rockfish for care.
READ on nbc29
November 8, 2024
In the Rockfish Valley, an Animal Sanctuary Celebrates 20 Years
Nature can be brutal, but a good many of the serious injuries Sarah Cooperman sees in her patients at the Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary are caused by humans...
Read on Crozet Gazette
June 30, 2024
Tattoo fundraiser supports Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary
People were at Moose’s by the Creek the weekend of June 30 getting some new ink and it was all for charity.
Read on NBC29
February 9, 2024
‘Hugs N’ Bugs:’ Name a worm after an ex at Nelson County animal sanctuary
If you are not feeling the love this Valentine’s Day, one wildlife sanctuary in Nelson County has an idea.
Read on WFXR
February 8, 2024
Wildlife sanctuary raising funds by letting you name bug after an ex
The Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary in Nelson County is adding a fun or revengeful twist to Valentine’s Day.
Watch on NBC29
October 4, 2023
Climate change brings a growing challenge for wildlife sanctuary
Executive Director Sarah Cooperman spoke with Sandy Hausman (Virginia Public Radio) about the impacts of climate change on RWS's work.
Listen on Radio iq
May 24, 2023
Down the foxhole
"The Big Picture" feature in C-Ville Weekly, written about a fox rehab success story at RWS.
Read on C-Ville weekly
May 7, 2023
Selvedge Brewing hosts baby shower for Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary
Our "wildlife baby shower" at Selvedge Brewing helped RWS collect much-needed items for our wildlife baby season.
Read on NBC29
April 1, 2023
Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary renests two Great Horned Owlets
The Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary and the Virginia Department of Forestry recently helped to renest two baby Great Horned owls.
Read on CBS19
March 29, 2023
'Green Future of Nelson' expo highlights conservation, natural resources
RWS was a featured participant at an expo celebrating Nelson County's conservation-oriented businesses and groups.
Read on The news & advance
January 11, 2023
There's A Little-Known Wildlife Sanctuary In Virginia And It's Magical
This animal sanctuary in Virginia is one where all ages can learn about the importance of protecting Virginia’s native species.
Read on only in your state
April 7, 2022
Nelson County women committed to protecting animals
The "Founding Mothers" helping Nelson County's domestic and wild animals.
READ on Radio iq
December 24, 2021
Baby squirrels at wildlife sanctuary show signs of climate change
Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary has received its latest ever baby wildlife admission. It's a sign that animals are picking up on climate change.
READ on CBS19
November 14, 2019
North Branch welcomes wildlife in just long enough to learn
North Branch School welcomed a few guests Thursday, including a sleepy opossum, a slithery snake, and a friendly turtle.
READ on The news & Advance
July 24, 2019
Teach a Reporter: Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary
Reporter Erin Conway joins staff member Sarah Cooperman at the Sanctuary for a "day in the life" as a wildlife rehabilitator.
READ on The news & Advance
June 7, 2019
Fantastic Mr. Fox, at Home in Crozet
Living alongside foxes and red fox kits, with input from the Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary team.
READ on The crozet gazette
This website and all included graphics are
copyright © 2018–2025 Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary unless otherwise attributed.
Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. EIN 51-0498181.
Thank you for supporting our mission to help native wildlife in Virginia and beyond.