Mission & Team | Back To The Wild

Giving Wildlife A Second Chance

Every year, more than 2,500 injured, orphaned, and displaced wildlife come through our doors in northern Ohio, each one needing a second chance.

At Back To The Wild, we provide life-saving care with the goal of returning every animal to its natural habitat while inspiring others to protect the natural world.

Our Mission

Back To The Wild's primary mission is to rehabilitate and ultimately release into their natural habitat, injured, orphaned, and displaced wildlife. Through this work, Back To The Wild's overall mission is to educate and foster in children and adults an awareness, appreciation, and respect of our natural world.

Children, especially, are encouraged to become involved in conservation activities to preserve and protect wild areas and to understand our own interconnection with all living things.

Our Story

Back in the years before 1990, Bill and Mona Rutger purchased several acres of land to build their home and family. Despite the condition of the property, when Mona first gazed upon the barren, abandoned cropland, she didn't see dirt and mud, she saw potential.

From the very beginning, Mona has always had a passion for conservation and the protection of native animals. Long before Back To The Wild began, Mona was already hard at work planting trees (over 2,500 of them!), gardens, and more to attract and shelter Ohio's wildlife. She began her c areer in wildlife rehabilitation with something simple: the rescue of a turtle.

As word spread, Mona quickly became known as the "Turtle Lady". But what started small grew rapidly, as more people brough injured wildlife to her care. Over time, her work expanded far beyond turtles.

From humble beginnings to one of Ohio's most respected wildlife rehabilitation centers, Back To The Wild is a result of decades of dedication to preserving Ohio's native wildlife.

Meet

Our Leadership Team

Mona Rutger

Executive Director & Founder

Mona Rutger is the Founder & Executive Director of Back To The Wild, dedicating her life to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of Ohio's native wildlife. What began as a small, grassroots effort has grown under her leadership into a respected organization caring for thousands of patients each year & educating tens of thousands of people through community programming.

Her work has become recognized both locally and nationally. Mona has been honored as CNN Hero of the Year and as Animal Planet Hero of the Year, and has received the Cardinal Award, one of Ohio's highest conservation honors, for her lifelong contributions to protecting the state's natural heritage.

Through her vision, Back To The Wild has expanded its facilities, secured critical permits, and built strong partnerships throughout the region. Her leadership continues to inspire staff, volunteers, and the community, ensuring the organization remains a cornerstone of wildlife care, education, and conservation.

Gabrielle Drown

Director of Education & Wildlife Rehabilitation

Gabrielle has been part of Back To The Wild since 2015, beginning as a volunteer and stepping into a full-time role in 2018. Over the years, she has developed extensive experience in wildlife care, ambassador training, conservation education, and leadership, now serving as Director of Education & Wildlife Rehabilitation.

Gabrielle holds a Bachelor of Science in Ecology & Conservation Biology from BGSU. In her role, she oversees animal care protocols, ambassador training, and educational programming.

Passionate about both wildlife & education, Gabrielle plays a key role in advancing Back To The Wild's mission by strengthening connections between people & the natural world. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband & two sons & exploring Ohio's natural landscapes.

Bill Rutger

Maintenance Manager

Bill Rutger has been an integral part of Back To The Wild's operations for many years, helping ensure the center's facilities and grounds remain safe, functional, and well maintained. In his role, he oversees everything from daily upkeep to larger projects that keep the organization running smoothly.

With a lifelong love of working with his hands, Bill takes pride in supporting the mission of wildlife rehabilitation and conservation education. His behind-the-scenes dedication plays a vital role in creating a space where both wildlife and people can thrive.

Paige Burns

Finance & Development Coordinator

Paige Burns joined Back To The Wild as an intern in 2022 while earning her degree in Wildlife and Conservation Biology from Ohio University. After graduating in 2023, she went on to serve with AmeriCorps in Montana gaining hands-on experience in trail maintenance and conservation before returning to the organization in 2024.

As Finance & Development Coordinator, Paige supports grant writing, our volunteers & interns, and staff to advance Back To The Wild's mission. She also plays a key role in financial operations, helping ensure the organization continues to grow and serve wildlife and the community. Outside of work, Paige enjoys crocheting & spending time with friends.