What is Wildlife Rehabilitation?

The purpose of wildlife rehabilitation is to provide specialized care to orphaned, sick, and injured, wild animals so they can ultimately be returned to their natural habitats. A Wildlife Rehabilitator does not turn wild animals into pets. Wildlife is only held in captivity long enough for them to be able to be releases back in to the wild.

Wildlife rehabilitators must work with veterinarians who can assess injuries and diagnose illnesses. Rehabilitators must be able to administer basic first aid and physical therapy. Rehabilitators in Virginia must meet annual Continuing Education requirements set by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. To work with mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, Wildlife Rehabilitators must have a permit from their state wildlife agency. Rehabilitators who wish to care for birds must also get a permit from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Rehabilitators should have a broad knowledge about the species in their care, including natural history, nutritional requirements, behavioral issues, and caging considerations. They also need to understand any dangers the animals may present to rehabilitators. Because of their experience, rehabilitators can help people come to a decision whether an animal truly needs help. Young birds and mammals should be returned to their families if at all possible because even a well trained rehabilitator cannot give the same care as the animals natural parents. Rehabilitators can provide directions about how and when to reunite wild babies, and can suggest humane, solutions when conflicts occur between humans and their wild neighbors.

Think you want to be a rehabilitator? Read this!