Animal Planet's first-ever Hero of the Year was awarded to Castalia, Ohio, resident Mona Rutger in 2006.
Mona was nominated by Dorothy Flounders for her work with Back to the Wild, a volunteer wildlife rehabilitation and nature education center that Mona has owned and operated with her husband Bill for the past 15 years.
Mona's Nomination: "Mona Rutger, together with her husband Bill, has owned and operated a volunteer wildlife rehabilitation and nature education center, Back to the Wild, for 15 years in Castalia, Ohio. The center rescues over 2,000 injured or abandoned wild animals each year, and is able to return over 60 percent of them back into the wild."
" A nonprofit with no funding, the center relies on contributions by individuals and organizations to cover the cost of caring for the constant influx of "wildings." Mona consistently puts in long hours, especially while tending to the many baby birds and animals that require constant care. She says, "It's very demanding, but it's my passion." Her other passion is teaching future generations the great need to preserve and protect our natural world."
"She presents educational programs to over 50,000 students and members of youth groups and adult organizations each year, traveling all around the state as well as conducting programs and tours at the center several times a week. Fifteen Eagle Scout projects have been completed at the center by local youth. Three of Mona's young assistants have been inspired to attend veterinary school because of their work at Back to the Wild. Two are practicing veterinarians and the third will graduate soon. At least one other young volunteer has stated that she also plans to become a veterinarian. Mona takes part in volunteer studies with veterinarians on such diseases as West Nile virus and avian flu, and they are using the data gathered in national and international research."
As the winner of Hero of the Year, Mona received a trip for two to Hawaii, and Animal Planet donated $10,000 to Back to the Wild which benefited injured and orphaned wild animals.
"I am thrilled to receive this gift to help us continue our work," says Mona. "This award will help provide a much-needed avenue to reach the public nationwide, and it will allow me to act as an ambassador for all wildlife rehabilitators who need the support of their communities."
