what is wildlife rehabilitation?

"Wildlife rehabilitation is the practice of providing responsible and professional care to sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals with the goal of releasing fully-recovered animals back to their native environment." (Association of Avian Veterinarians)

why do We Rehabilitate?

We believe that rehabilitation is an act of responsible stewardship. 

Many animals admitted to rehabilitation centers suffer from injuries directly or indirectly caused by human activities and increasing urbanization.

Birds may suffer injuries when they are struck by a car, attacked by a cat or dog, collide with a window, or ingest trash, pesticides, or lead. Baby birds are often orphaned due to human actions—a mother duck may be hit by a car while leading her babies to water, or a baby songbird may be picked up by a well-meaning individual who doesn’t realize its parent is nearby. Sadly, some birds have been intentionally harmed by humans. 

Given that most of the birds we see have been negatively impacted by humans, we consider it our responsibility to offer them a second chance at life in the wild. When rehabilitation is not possible, we make the kindest and most ethical decision to provide humane euthanasia, preventing prolonged suffering.

COULD TREATING INJURED RAPTORS HELP LIFT A POPULATION?

Research by wildlife biologist John Goodell shows that rehabilitation of raptors can have long-term impacts on populations. Read about his research here.