Wildlife

Wildlife Rehabilitation: Rescuing Injured Wild Animals

Wildlife rehabilitators care for millions of injured wild animals annually, operating largely on donations with minimal government support.

Key Facts

Over 700 licensed wildlife rehabilitation centers operate in the US
An estimated 2 million wild animals are treated by rehabilitators annually in North America
Success rates vary by species from 20% to 80% depending on injury type
Most wildlife rehabilitators are unpaid volunteers with limited funding
Rehabilitation provides crucial welfare relief for animals injured by human activity

Welfare Considerations

Wildlife rehabilitators often face impossible choices: limited supplies, no funding for surgery, and difficult euthanasia decisions. Animals that cannot survive independently must be held indefinitely or euthanized. The work directly addresses suffering caused by vehicles, windows, cats, and other human sources. Rehabilitation success returns animals to wild populations while minimizing suffering during recovery.

What You Can Do

Donate monthly to your local wildlife rehabilitation center
Learn how to safely transport injured wildlife to a rehabilitation center
Never attempt to rehabilitate wildlife yourself without training
Support legislation funding wildlife rehabilitation centers with state resources
Volunteer as a transport driver or intake volunteer for your local rehabilitator