Wildlife Rehabilitation Outcomes and Standards

Wildlife rehabilitation provides welfare relief to injured and orphaned wild animals — quality varies enormously.

Key Facts

Over 4,000 licensed wildlife rehabilitation organizations operate in the US
Release success rates vary widely — from 60-90% in well-run facilities to much lower elsewhere
Many orphaned animals cannot be released due to habituation or permanent injury
Training and facility standards for wildlife rehabilitators vary enormously between states

Welfare Considerations

Wildlife rehabilitation occupies an important welfare role — providing medical care and support to injured and orphaned wild animals that would otherwise die in the wild. The quality of rehabilitation varies enormously, however. Facilities with inadequately trained staff may inadvertently habituate animals in ways that prevent release, provide inappropriate diets, or deliver inadequate veterinary care. Accreditation through the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association and International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council provides some quality assurance. Supporting accredited facilities and advocating for training standards ensures welfare is genuinely served.

What You Can Do

Contact accredited wildlife rehabilitators rather than attempting self-care of injured wildlife
Support wildlife rehabilitation organizations financially — they are chronically underfunded
Advocate for training and facility standards for wildlife rehabilitators in your state
Never attempt to keep wild animals as pets after rehabilitation care