Where the Wild Things are
A woman's dream to save animals has turned into a state recognized wildlife rehabilitation center.
Mary Key has dedicated her life to wildlife. Being a speech therapist she always had a love of helping people. This love of helping reached beyond humans to furry friends as well.
When she found a litter of baby raccoons, she didn’t know what to do with them. She began researching on how to help them when nobody else would. One litter turned into two, Key now had family and friends calling anytime a wild animal was found.
When she found a litter of baby raccoons, she didn’t know what to do with them. She began researching on how to help them when nobody else would. One litter turned into two, Key now had family and friends calling anytime a wild animal was found.
Mary Key of Nolin River Wildlife in Glendale, Kentucky pushes Boone the Raccoon in his custom made wheelchair on May 1st, 2025. “He’s my baby and he’s even been on a show called ‘The Wizard Of Paws’,” said Key. Boone suffers from Cerebellar Hypoplasia which takes away his ability to walk on his own. He is a permanent resident at the rehab.
"They're truly just misunderstood," Key explains.
As second feeding of the baby animals approaches, Mary Key of Nolin River Wildlife reaches into the nursery to grab and feed one of seven baby skunks on March 5, 2025. The nursery is lined head to toe with wild baby animals ranging from five days to 30 days old.
She wanted to turn this legitimate. She got her certification in wildlife rehabilitation and began turning this hobby into a nonprofit. With the help of her husband Jeff Key their home became overrun with wild animal cages. When the house became too crowded, they moved to the guest house. As Key’s credibility grew more and more as did her animal count. Buildings began to be built for the sole purpose of rehabilitating.
Mary Key brings food to the volunteers of Nolin River Wildlife in Glendale Kentucky. After having so much food leftover from her husband’s birthday. She wanted nothing more than to share the love with volunteers on May 1st, 2025.
Mary Key of Nolin River Wildlife in Glendale, Kentucky feeds Blue the coyote. “Blue doesn’t even like me, she only likes Sandy
(a volunteer),” says key on March 5th, 2025.
(a volunteer),” says key on March 5th, 2025.
The culmination her work was when the old horse stables were turned into a full rehabilitation compound. With a nursery, surgery room, outdoor area and massive inside space it was more that Nolin River Wildlife could ask for.
Mary Key (right) holds a month old baby raccoon as she sniffs the head of a newborn raccoon held by one of the volunteers on May 5th, 2025. As the raccoons age their independency grows, but at this young all of the animals require constant watch and care.
Mary Key and Christy discuss a mange infected baby fox on March 1st, 2025. Of the other six in the litter at Nolin River Wildlife in Glendale, Kentucky this is the only one to contract mange. Key expects its immune system became compromised from eating a poisoned rat due to the other in the litter being clean.
Bee (Great Pyrenees) plays with and protects an unknown deer at Mary Key’s home right by the rehab of Nolin River Wildlife on March 5th 2025. On the 500 acre farm in Glendale, Kentucky countless past rehabbed deer still come up to the house like they never left.
"It's animals everywhere you go," Key said.
Mary Key closes the locked medicine cabinet in Nolin River Wildlife on March 5th, 2025. The countless meds have saved thousands of animals lives. It’s only possible due to the countless donations that keep the nonprofit running.
Key is now the main rehabber for Hardin County and the surrounding area. When anyone calls the police regarding a wild animal, they’re redirected to Key. What started out as someone just trying to help some misunderstood animals is now a nationally recognized rehabilitation nonprofit. With constant feeding, consistent care and new animals always coming in, Key works more now that when she actually got a paycheck.
Mary Key of Nolin River Wildlife in Glendale, Kentucky anxiously awaits a call about a supposed baby Bobcat on the night of May 1st, 2025. Any call to the police about a wild animal is directed to Key leaving her schedule at the whim of her phone.
