Advancing Wildlife Resiliency
At the Oceans and Wildlife Institute, we believe resiliency starts with action.The Oceans and Wildlife Institute
The Oceans and Wildlife Institute (OWI) was established to Advance Wildlife Resiliency throughout the United States and globally. OWI is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation. OWI leads initiatives in workforce development, wildlife disaster response and training, wildlife rescues, applied translational wildlife research, policy advancement, and economic development.
Our Work
OWI unites diverse stakeholders in wildlife resiliency, fostering dialogue and research to address complex challenges and share vital information across sectors.
Wildlife Rescues
It safeguards people, facilities, animals, and the Institute’s reputation, ensuring operational continuity while fostering strong collaboration and shared purpose.
Leadership Team
OWI’s leadership team brings more than 70 years of expertise in wildlife management, external affairs, emergency response, and operational excellence.
Prepare
OWI integrates state, federal, academic, and operational partners to support preparedness and training for wildlife-related emergencies through workforce development and professional training programs.
Respond
The Institute’s Wildlife Rescue Center is the nation’s leading coastal wildlife rescue and rehabilitation program, providing standing operational capacity to support large-scale wildlife emergencies, environmental disasters, and species protection efforts in coordination with state and federal partners.
Recover
OWI supports wildlife recovery through applied resiliency initiatives, translational research, and advancing effective wildlife policy at state and federal levels.
The Latest from OWI
From policy to wildlife rescues, our work is dynamic and impactful with frequent updates, press releases, and announcements which will be shared in our Latest News section.
Bringing Response Back to Basics
Palmer Events Center – Austin TX – September 28-30, 2026
Effective response starts with strong fundamentals. The inaugural 2026 Gulf Response Alliance event builds on decades of Gulf spill response experience while capturing the energy and skills of new responders. The GRA brings together industry, institutional, community and regulatory leaders for three days of hands-on training and coordination. This year’s focus is Back to Basics: Reinforcing the capabilities and partnerships that responders rely on.