Wildlife Rehabilitation and Animal Welfare

Wildlife rehabilitation — caring for injured, sick, or orphaned wild animals with the aim of releasing them back to the wild — is an important bridge between individual animal welfare and conservation.

Key Facts

Thousands of wildlife rehabilitation centres operate globally, treating millions of animals each year
Common casualties include birds of prey injured by vehicles, hedgehogs caught in garden netting, and seabirds oiled by spills
Successful rehabilitation requires species-specific knowledge, appropriate housing, and minimal human imprinting
Release criteria should assess whether the animal can survive, find food, and avoid predation
Some species, particularly large carnivores and certain birds, rarely succeed in post-release survival

Welfare Considerations

Wildlife rehabilitation raises important welfare questions: when is treatment in the animal's best interest, and when does it prolong suffering without prospect of meaningful recovery? Individual animals in care experience stress from human contact and captivity; prolonged care can compromise wildness. Euthanasia is sometimes the most welfare-positive outcome. Rehabilitation is most effective when centres focus on species they are equipped to handle, apply evidence-based release criteria, and work closely with veterinary professionals.

What You Can Do

Know your local wildlife rehabilitation contacts and call them promptly if you find an injured animal
Do not attempt to care for wild animals without guidance — improper care can worsen outcomes
Support licensed wildlife rehabilitation organisations with donations or volunteering
Reduce hazards to wildlife around your home: check nets, cover garden drains, and drive carefully at night
Advocate for funding for wildlife rehabilitation in national animal welfare strategies