Integrative Conservation

Session I

Ryleigh Scott, "A Never-Empty Nest: Human-animal (Un)bonds formed in Home-Based Wildlife Rehabilitation in Richmond, VA"

Wildlife rehabilitation programs often prioritize emotional detachment toward the animals they treat in order to preserve the wild animal’s ability to survive independently upon release. Little is known, though, about the care and power dynamics that exist between animals and home-based rehabilitators. In a small community of independent rehabilitators in Virginia, which predominantly consists of retired women who care for wildlife in their homes, rehabilitators often describe profound maternal bonds with the animals in their care. Rather than characterizing their caregiving labor as emotionally detached, many describe it as an intimate and emotionally-taxing collaboration with the animal toward its healing and freedom. By conducting interviews with these women and observing them care for the animals in their homes, this project aims to expand the conversation on how to ethically interact with wildlife by including the subjective knowledges co-produced by women and wildlife.

Student Major(s): Environment & Sustainability Major

Advisor: Dr. Mara Dicenta