Wildlife Welfare

Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre Standards

Wildlife rehabilitation quality varies enormously between centres, with inadequate standards risking poor welfare outcomes and inappropriate release of compromised animals.

Key Facts

No mandatory minimum standards exist for wildlife rehabilitation in many countries
Survival to release is the most commonly used metric but does not capture post-release welfare
Inappropriate imprinting on humans creates welfare problems that persist after release
Stress from handling and inappropriate housing is a significant welfare burden in rehabilitation
IWRC and BWRC provide voluntary standards and training for wildlife rehabilitators

Welfare Considerations

Wildlife rehabilitation that is poorly executed can cause more harm than the original injury through stress, inappropriate socialisation, and release of animals unable to survive independently. High standards of care and honest euthanasia decisions when recovery is unlikely are essential welfare principles.

What You Can Do

Support accredited wildlife rehabilitation centres with donations and volunteering
Advocate for minimum national standards for wildlife rehabilitation centres
Find your local accredited wildlife rehabilitator before you need them in an emergency