About Us

Since 2012

Ringtail Rescue and Sanctuary

… is dedicated to providing compassionate care and rehabilitation for orphaned and injured wildlife in our community. We are a nonprofit organization focused on helping make the world around us a better, happier place for orphaned, abandoned and injured wildlife.

Ringtail Rescue and Sanctuary has been years in the making. Currently run by Lewis Bennett and Dana Shook, Ringtail Rescue and Sanctuary came about after the two fell in love with an abandoned raccoon back in April of 2015.

While owners of a landscaping company in Moore County, North Carolina, Dana came across a baby raccoon in need of rescuing. Dana sought out a vet who treated the raccoon. The Vet soon informed them, the raccoon could never survive in the wild on her own. After much research online, Dana was lead to a bill she thought had been passed in the state of North Carolina allowing residents to own raccoons. So, they decided to keep the raccoon and named her Sly Cooperette.

On November 30, 2015, North Carolina wildlife resource commission went to Lewis and Dana’s home and seized Sly. When they surrendered Sly, who they grew to love, they had no idea it would be the last time they’d see her. Sly Cooperette was euthanized under the guise of concerns for rabies. Despite the medical records proving the animal had been vaccinated. It became their passion to save raccoons and any other animals that were in need. Lewis and Dana moved to South Carolina and purchased 15 acres of property. Since their move, Ringtail Rescue and Sancutary has saved hundreds of animals. They currently are offering a home to several animals who are not able to be released into the wild.