How to Be Exotic Wildlife Rehabilitator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 10, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Exotic wildlife rehabilitators are individuals who specialize in caring for and rehabilitating animals that have been injured, orphaned, or displaced from their natural habitats. They have an important role to play in protecting endangered species and helping to preserve biodiversity. By nursing the injured and orphaned animals back to health, they are able to reintroduce them back into their natural habitats.

This can help increase the population of endangered species, improve habitats, and create a healthier, more balanced ecosystem. In addition, exotic wildlife rehabilitators also help educate people about the importance of preserving biodiversity and the need to protect endangered species. By raising awareness and providing a better understanding of the impact of human activities on wildlife, they are helping to protect the planet and its creatures.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become an exotic wildlife rehabilitator, you will need to obtain a bachelor's degree in a field such as zoology, biology, wildlife biology, or animal behavior.
Gain Experience. Volunteering or working with a wildlife rehabilitation center is beneficial to gain the necessary experience to become an exotic wildlife rehabilitator.
Obtain Certification. Depending on the state in which you wish to practice, you may need to obtain a license or certification from a state-approved organization.
Take Continuing Education Courses. Continuing education courses can help you stay up-to-date on the latest rehabilitation techniques and laws.
Join Professional Organizations. Joining organizations such as The Association of Avian Rehabilitators and The National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association will allow you to network and learn more about the field.

Exotic wildlife rehabilitators require a high level of skill and competence in order to effectively provide care for animals in need. Training and experience are essential to developing the necessary expertise to properly assess the health of an animal, create an appropriate care plan, and provide the proper veterinary care. a deep understanding of animal behavior and the ability to recognize signs of stress or illness are crucial for successful rehabilitation.

Knowing how to safely capture and transport an animal is also essential for this line of work. Fostering the right environment and providing the right kind of nutrition are key components of a successful rehabilitation program, as is having the patience to evaluate the progress of an individual animal over time. All of these elements are essential in order for exotic wildlife rehabilitators to be skilled and competent in their work.

You may want to check Exotic Dancer, Exotic Jewelry Maker, and Exotic Vehicle Mechanic for alternative.

Job Description

Provide humane care and rehabilitation for injured, orphaned, abandoned, and/or displaced wildlife.
Monitor the health and progress of wildlife under rehabilitation.
Offer medical treatments, such as administering medications, providing support care, and performing minor surgeries.
Prepare diets and feed wildlife in rehabilitation.
Clean and maintain enclosures, cages, and habitats for wildlife.
Capture wildlife when necessary or requested.
Educate the public about the importance of wildlife conservation and rehabilitation.
Maintain records and reports of treatments, progress, and releases for each animal under care.
Assist with educational programs and presentations.
Transport wildlife to release sites or other locations as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of basic animal care and husbandry practices
Ability to safely handle and restrain animals of all sizes
Knowledge of species-specific diet and nutrition requirements
Ability to assess an animal's health and provide medical treatment as needed
Knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations governing wildlife rehabilitation
Ability to work with wildlife rehabilitators, wildlife biologists, and other professionals
Knowledge of wildlife rehabilitation techniques and procedures
Ability to develop and implement release plans for rehabilitation animals
Ability to recognize signs of stress in wildlife animals
Ability to provide emotional support to distressed animals
Knowledge of humane euthanasia techniques as needed
Knowledge of proper record keeping systems
Proficiency in computer applications such as word processing and spreadsheets
Ability to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and the public

As an exotic wildlife rehabilitator, it is essential to have a strong knowledge of animal behavior and anatomy. It is important to understand the natural behaviors and instincts of the animals in order to properly care for them. an understanding of the animal's natural environment is key to providing the best care possible.

Rehabilitators must also be able to recognize symptoms of illness or injury and be able to provide proper medical care. Furthermore, they must be able to monitor the animals' progress and evaluate their health over time. Lastly, it is important for rehabilitators to be able to work closely with other stakeholders, like regulatory agencies and animal control, to ensure the animals' safety and well-being.

With these skills and knowledge, exotic wildlife rehabilitators can help restore wild animals back to their natural habitats.

Exotic Plant Caretaker, Exotic Massage Therapist, and Exotic Floral Designer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in caring for exotic wildlife?
What challenges have you faced while rehabilitating exotic wildlife?
How do you handle releasing an animal back into the wild?
What methods do you use to assess the health of an animal?
How do you ensure the safety of yourself and others while caring for exotic wildlife?
How do you manage stress while dealing with exotic species?
How do you effectively communicate with organizations and individuals on behalf of the animal?
Have you ever encountered any ethical dilemmas while rehabilitating exotic wildlife?
What steps do you take to ensure that the animals are given the best possible care?
How do you stay up-to-date on changes in the laws and regulations concerning the rehabilitation of exotic animals?

Common Tools in Industry

Syringe. Used to administer medication or oral rehydration solutions to wildlife. (eg: administering antibiotics to a wounded animal)
Gloves. Used to protect the rehabilitator from disease and to ensure the wildlife is not injured or further stressed by the rehabilitation process. (eg: handling a skittish animal)
Gavage Tube. Used to provide nutrition to wildlife that cannot eat on their own. (eg: feeding a baby bird)
Scales. Used to monitor the health of the wildlife by tracking their weight gain or loss, as well as other vital signs. (eg: weighing a squirrel before and after a feeding)
Heat Lamp. Used to provide warmth to wildlife in need of it. (eg: keeping a nest of baby birds warm)
Birdhouse/Cage. Used to house wildlife while they are being rehabilitated and released back into the wild. (eg: constructing a birdhouse for a family of squirrels)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC)
National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA)
Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV)
Raptor Research Foundation (RRF)
Wild Bird Rehabilitation Association (WBRA)
International Wildlife Rehabilitation Network (IWRN)
The Bird Treatment and Learning Center (BTLC)
International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
Raptor Education Group, Inc. (REG)

Common Important Terms

Wildlife Rehabilitation. The practice of caring for injured, orphaned, or displaced wildlife with the goal of releasing the animals back into their natural habitat.
Wildlife Conservation. The practice of protecting and preserving wild animals and their habitats for the benefit of future generations.
Veterinary Medicine. The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and injuries in animals.
Animal Husbandry. The practice of breeding, raising, and caring for domestic animals, such as livestock and poultry.
Zoology. The scientific study of animals, including their behavior, physiology, anatomy, and evolution.
Ecology. The scientific study of the relationships between living organisms and their environment.
Animal Behavior. The study of how animals interact with each other and their environment.
Habitat Restoration. The practice of restoring damaged or destroyed habitats in order to help native species survive and thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Exotic Wildlife Rehabilitator?

An Exotic Wildlife Rehabilitator is a professional who cares for injured, sick, displaced or orphaned wild animals with the goal of returning them to the wild.

What types of animals does an Exotic Wildlife Rehabilitator work with?

An Exotic Wildlife Rehabilitator typically works with birds, reptiles, small mammals, and other non-domesticated animals.

What qualifications are needed to become an Exotic Wildlife Rehabilitator?

Exotic Wildlife Rehabilitators typically need a degree in wildlife rehabilitation, biology, zoology or another related field. They must also obtain a license from the state in which they plan to practice.

How much experience is required to become an Exotic Wildlife Rehabilitator?

Most Exotic Wildlife Rehabilitators need a minimum of one year of experience in wildlife rehabilitation prior to becoming certified.

What tasks do Exotic Wildlife Rehabilitators perform?

Exotic Wildlife Rehabilitators perform a variety of tasks, including providing medical care, feeding, cleaning and monitoring the animals, and releasing them back into the wild when appropriate.