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

Sep 21, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Wildlife rehabilitation is the practice of caring for injured, orphaned, or displaced wildlife, and releasing them back into their natural habitat when possible. This practice has a great effect on preserving biodiversity and maintaining healthy ecosystems. Rehabilitators provide medical care to injured animals, such as first aid, nutrition, hydration, and antibiotics.

They also provide a safe place for the animals to heal and grow until they are strong enough to be released back into their natural environment. By doing this, rehabilitators not only help the individual animals in need, but also help to protect the entire species from becoming endangered. wildlife rehabilitation can help restore balance to an ecosystem by reintroducing healthy individuals back into their natural habitat.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelors Degree. Most wildlife rehabilitators need a bachelors degree in a related field such as biology, zoology, veterinary science, or ecology.
Get Licensed. Wildlife rehabilitators must be licensed by the government and must meet certain standards to obtain and maintain their license, including passing a written exam.
Get Certified. Although not required in some states, many wildlife rehabilitators choose to become certified by completing a certification program. The National Wildlife Rehabilitator's Association offers certification for wildlife rehabilitators.
Gain Experience. Experience is essential for wildlife rehabilitators. Starting out, you may need to volunteer with a wildlife rehabilitation center or zoo in order to gain the necessary experience.
Find Work. Once you have the necessary qualifications, you can start looking for a job as a wildlife rehabilitator. Most wildlife rehabilitators work for government agencies or non-profit organizations, such as animal shelters, zoos, and wildlife refuges.

Wildlife rehabilitation is an essential part of preserving the delicate balance between humans and animals. When an animal is injured or orphaned, a Wildlife rehabilitator is the most effective way to get the animal back into its natural habitat. By providing medical care, nutrition and housing, the rehabilitator works to restore the animal to full health.

The rehabilitator also works to educate humans about the importance of wildlife conservation and the need for responsible practices when dealing with animals in their natural environment. The result of wildlife rehabilitation is a healthier and more balanced ecosystem, benefiting both humans and animals in the long run.

You may want to check Vertebrate Zoologist, Animal Behavior Zoologist, and Biogeochemist for alternative.

Job Description

Animal Caretaker: Responsible for providing daily care and enrichment for injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife. Responsibilities include cleaning enclosures, preparing diets, administering medications, observing behavior, and monitoring health.
Permit Administrator: Responsible for ensuring that all state and federal permits associated with wildlife rehabilitation activities are in compliance.
Veterinary Liaison: Works closely with wildlife veterinarians to provide medical care for wildlife patients. Responsibilities include assisting with examinations, administering medications, and providing post-operative care.
Public Educator: Educates the public about wildlife rehabilitation and conservation through presentations, workshops, and other events.
Advocate: Advocates for wildlife conservation and rehabilitation efforts to state and federal agencies, as well as to the public.
Fundraiser: Develops and implements fundraising strategies to support the organizations mission. Responsibilities include researching potential funding sources, writing grant applications, and organizing fundraising events.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of wildlife diseases and treatments
Ability to safely capture injured and orphaned wildlife
Ability to provide humane care for injured and orphaned wildlife
Ability to assess the physical condition of wildlife
Ability to provide or arrange medical and surgical treatment for wildlife
Ability to handle medical equipment and supplies related to wildlife rehabilitation
Knowledge of legal requirements, regulations, and permits related to wildlife rehabilitation
Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to wildlife rehabilitation
Ability to communicate effectively with veterinarians, law enforcement personnel, wildlife biologists, and other rehabilitation professionals
Ability to coordinate with rehabilitation centers and other wildlife rescue organizations
Ability to educate the public on the importance of wildlife conservation
Knowledge of wildlife behavior and proper release techniques
Ability to work cooperatively with volunteers and other staff members
Ability to provide for the physical and psychological needs of wildlife in captivity
Knowledge of husbandry practices for a variety of species

Being a wildlife rehabilitator requires a vast array of skills and knowledge. The most important skill to have is a deep understanding of animal behavior. Wildlife rehabilitators must be able to recognize animal body language, interpret vocalizations, and understand how animals communicate with each other.

In addition, they must be familiar with the physical and mental needs of various species in order to provide the appropriate care. Having a background in animal science or biology can help a rehabilitator understand the complexities of an animal's behavior and help them form an effective plan for rehabilitation. Furthermore, a wildlife rehabilitator must have patience and empathy for animals in order to be successful in their job.

They must also have strong problem-solving skills so that they can determine the best course of action when faced with difficult situations. Rehabilitators must also have excellent communication skills, as they will often be interacting with other professionals such as veterinarians, government officials, and concerned citizens.

Research Zoologist, Fish and Game Warden, and Marine Zoologist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What does a typical day in your role as a Wildlife Rehabilitator look like?
How do you handle stress when confronted with difficult situations?
What experience do you have with wildlife handling and care?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and regulations in the field?
What challenges have you faced while working with wildlife?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision related to a wildlife rehabilitation situation.
How do you interact with colleagues, volunteers, and members of the public?
What strategies do you use to build relationships with wildlife during rehabilitation?
What have you done to promote public awareness of wildlife rehabilitation?
How do you ensure that all animals in your care are treated humanely and with respect?

Common Tools in Industry

Medical Supplies. Various medical supplies such as syringes, antibiotics, and wound dressings are used to treat injured or ill wildlife. (eg: antibiotics to treat infections)
Animal Restraint Equipment. Animal restraint equipment such as gloves, nets, and scruffing devices are used to safely handle wildlife for medical treatment. (eg: gloves to protect handler and patient)
Food Preparation Equipment. Equipment such as blenders, grinders, and food processors are used to prepare diets for wildlife patients. (eg: blender to mix animal diets)
Enclosures. Enclosures of various sizes are used to house wildlife patients during recovery. (eg: large enclosures for large birds)
Caging Materials. Caging materials such as wood, plastic, and wire are used to construct enclosures to house wildlife patients. (eg: plastic cages for small mammals)
Cleaning Supplies. Cleaning supplies such as disinfectants, scrub brushes, and mops are used to maintain clean enclosures for wildlife patients. (eg: scrub brushes for cleaning enclosures)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council
National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association
International Bird Rescue
The Raptor Center
National Marine Mammal Foundation
The Humane Society of the United States
National Audubon Society
Association of Avian Veterinarians
National Wildlife Health Center
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

We also have Animal Rescuer, Aquatic Zoologist, and Ornithologist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Wildlife Conservation. The protection and preservation of animals and their natural habitats.
Habitat Preservation. The protection of an animals natural environment, such as forests, lakes, rivers, and wetlands, from destruction or degradation.
Animal Welfare. The humane treatment and care of animals, including their rights and needs.
Animal Captivity. The keeping of wild animals in captivity, such as in zoos, wildlife parks, and aquariums.
Rehabilitation. The process of restoring an animal to optimal physical and mental health.
Veterinary Medicine. The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease in animals.
Veterinary Science. The scientific study of animal health and diseases.
Wildlife Management. The management of wild animals and their habitats to ensure their survival and prosperity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Wildlife Rehabilitator?

A Wildlife Rehabilitator is a person trained and certified to care for injured, orphaned, or sick wildlife with the goal of releasing them back into their natural habitat.

What qualifications are needed to become a Wildlife Rehabilitator?

To become a Wildlife Rehabilitator, individuals must complete a state-approved certification course and pass an exam. They also need to acquire a permit from the state wildlife agency, which requires that they have experience and knowledge of animal care.

What are the responsibilities of a Wildlife Rehabilitator?

The primary responsibility of a Wildlife Rehabilitator is to provide medical care and rehabilitation to injured, orphaned, or sick wildlife. This includes providing food, shelter, and medical treatment while the animals are in captivity, as well as preparing them for release back into the wild.

What type of animals do Wildlife Rehabilitators work with?

Wildlife Rehabilitators typically work with a variety of species, including birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and sometimes larger mammals. The species of animals they work with may depend on the geographical area in which they work.