Wildlife rehabilitators care for injured or baby native animals until they can be released into the wild. They take a written test to get a permit and work from their own home or non-profit centers. It’s a tough, unpaid job that requires dedication and a high level of responsibility.
A wildlife rehabilitator is usually a volunteer who takes injured or baby native animals into her home, where she cares for the animals until they are strong enough to be released into the wild. In many countries, including the United States and Australia, a person wanting this job must take a written test to demonstrate knowledge of caring for wildlife, which results in a permit. When someone is officially registered as a wildlife rehabilitator, their name and phone number are publicly listed in a directory, so anyone who finds an abandoned or injured animal can bring them in for help.
A wildlife rehabilitator rarely has medical or veterinary experience and instead focuses on the day-to-day care of an animal. For example, he can bottle-feed a baby several times a day. Some injured animals are taken to a veterinarian for treatment; however, if it appears that the animal will not be able to return to the wild after a period of rehabilitation, the animal will most likely be humanely euthanized.
A wildlife rehabilitator usually works from their own home, although some non-profit centers specialize in treating injured wild animals. He or she may have a specific specialty. Some focus on reptiles such as snakes and lizards, while others may specialize in caring for birds. He or she can handle all kinds of animals, from squirrels to owls and frogs. In countries like Australia, the rehabilitator may take in opossums, wombats or kangaroos.
If you think you’d like to become a wildlife rehabilitator, the first step is to volunteer with a trained rehabilitator or at a licensed wildlife center to see what’s involved in the job and if it’s really for you. This line of work is rarely paid and requires a high level of dedication – once licensed, you can be called upon at any time of the day to assist in wildlife situations. You should also be aware that these animals are not pets – your responsibility is to prepare them for release into the wild. It’s a tough job as some animals just don’t survive no matter how much help you give them. If you still want to become a wildlife rehabilitator, it can be a very rewarding job.
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