Embedded Files
Introduction
Wildlife rehabilitation and endangered species conservation are two initiatives that can go hand in hand. The goal of this site is to give you a better understanding of the people that dedicate their lives to wildlife rehabilitation while connecting the community and being a center for endangered species education. In addition, the hope is to inspire people to pursue their own wildlife rehabber journey and further the cause of endangered species conservation.
Rehabber's Story Podcast
Click the images to hear the podcasts
Part 1. Rehabber's Story: Endangered Species
Part 1. Rehabber's Story: Endangered Species
In part one I’m joined with Janine Bendickson, a local wildlife rehabber, to talk about her experiences with endangered animals. We talk about her adventure conquering heights for eagle nestlings as well as the hardships she faces day to day at the rehab center
Part 2. Rehabber's Story: Technology
Part 2. Rehabber's Story: Technology
In part two, Janine and I discuss how she believes rehabilitation can be improved by technology and what specifically she would like to be implemented in both the general public and her own rehabilitation center. We also talk about how care techniques and information is communicated among the rehabber community.
Part 3. Rehabber's Story: The Community
Part 3. Rehabber's Story: The Community
In part three Janine and I discuss the different communities surrounding wildlife rehabilitation. She tells me her wildest interaction with the general public and she tells me the most memorable interaction with another wildlife rehabber.
Wildlife Rehabber's Guide to Endangered Species of New York: Know Your Animals
Wildlife Rehabber's Guide to Endangered Species of New York: Know Your Animals
Here is a link to an identification website of the endangered species of New York. The species are organized into New York regions based on where they can be located. In this website you will also find some other identification resources, the contact information of the NY DEC, a forum where you can ask questions and interact with other rehabbers or aspiring rehabbers, and much more. Click the image to be directed to the website.
Where Was it Found? An Interactive Map
Where Was it Found? An Interactive Map
Here is the link to a map that shows the locations rescued animals and locations of wildlife rehabilitation centers. The purpose of the map is for you or a wildlife rehabber to be able to identify where an endangered animal was rescued and which rehab facility it was or can be taken to. To learn how to use the map, please read the instructions below. To get started, click the button on the left that says Interactive Map.
Map Instructions
Map Instructions
First, find the location of where an endangered animal was rescued.
Add a marker, which is the bubble next to the hand on the tool bar.
Note what endangered species was found, where it was found, when it was found, and what Rehabilitation center it was brought to.
You can edit the marker to include a specific icon. To do that;
click the marker
click on the paint can icon that automatically pops up.
From there you can customize the icon to reflect what was marked.
For rehabilitation centers, all that needs to be done is to place a marker where the center is located, add the name, the address, contact information, and change the icon.
My Story: Becoming a Wildlife Rehabilitator
My Story: Becoming a Wildlife Rehabilitator
I first learned about wildlife rehabilitation from a fellow pre-vet club member while I was in my undergraduate program. The way she described wildlife rehab inspired me to pursue a rehabbing position while home for the summer. That is when I found the Sweetbriar Nature Center wildlife rehab internship program. After applying and an in person interview, I landed the position. I spent the entire summer working at the rehab center with a few fellow rehab interns and learned the process of actually becoming a licensed rehabber.
How it Went
In the state of New York, becoming a licensed wildlife rehabber is actually pretty simple. However, experience and requirements may vary from state to state. The first criteria is that you have to be at least 16 years of age, at the time I had already graduated from undergrad. Second, you have to pass the licensing test with an 80% or better, it's not difficult getting better. Third, you are required to fill out a licensing application, which you fill out after completing the test. Finally, you are interviewed by a DEC wildlife manager. For my experience the interview was a questionnaire about wildlife handed out after completing the test that a DEC manager would later review. A few months later, I got my license in the mail. Today, I help with any wildlife concerns asked at, and wildlife rescues brought to, my current job which is at an animal hospital.
How to Prepare
Luckily the DEC website provides everything you need to pass the test. Located on the website are two free-to-download PDFs, the study guide and practice exam booklet. The study guide provides all of the information that you would need to pass the test and the practice exam booklet has question similar to what you will see on the test. Typically, you would also have some rehabbing experience already under your belt, but it is not a requirement. However, having the experience of actually participating in wildlife rehabilitation is something, I feel is, crucial for you to gage whether or not you are prepared for the work of being a wildlife rehabilitator.
Page updated
Report abuse