Learn about a variety of more "unusual species" treated at the Wildlife Center. The Center typically admits more than 150 different species each year -- while most of these animals are often the birds, mammals, and reptiles whose homes are in and around our own backyards and neighborhoods, Center staff are always prepared for any animal that might come through the door, even if we only see that species once every year or so!  When the Center admits an unusual or uncommon species of wildlife, the staff relies on their extensive knowledge of natural history, as well as creativity and resourcefulness. Some unusual species treated at the Center are rarely admitted due to their secretive lifestyle; some are uncommon admissions because, as a species, they are in trouble. 

Learn about the diverse group of wildlife known as water birds -- loons, herons, egrets, ducks, geese, grebes, pelicans, and more -- which makes up 30 families, and, collectively about 800 species. Water birds can be found in the mountains, rivers, marshes, and coastal plains; each adapted to their specific environment. Whether year-round residents or long-distance migrants, many water birds depend on critical wetland habitats. Learn more about this amazing avian wildlife and how we can change our behaviors to help their habitats and populations. UNTAMED looks at the wild and often perilous world of wildlife, as seen through the eyes of the patients of the Wildlife Center of Virginia, a non-profit teaching and research hospital for native wildlife.

Learn about our wild neighbors – the animals that share space with and around us. While many people may want to create backyard habitats for wildlife, others may be uncertain about living near wild animals and have concerns about “nuisance” neighbors. Join Wildlife Center staff to learn what steps we can take to better understand the wildlife that lives around us, while minimizing interactions with our wild neighbors, to keep everyone safe in their preferred habitats. 

Learn about wildlife rehabilitation. That is the treatment and care of injured, sick, and orphaned wild animals with the goal of releasing the animals back to their natural habitats. Join Center staff and several at-home permitted Virginia wildlife rehabilitators to learn more about what wildlife rehabilitators do, the invaluable service they provide to their communities, and the role that they play in wildlife conservation.

Learn about wildlife research conducted at the Wildlife Center of Virginia. Rehabilitators and veterinarians treat tens of thousands of wild animals each year and are often the first to notice trends that contribute valuable insights to overall wildlife health. During the past 37 years, Center veterinarians have led a variety of research studies on wildlife health, using data from the patients admitted to the hospital. Join the Center staff and other wildlife professionals to learn about the critical role wildlife rehabilitators and veterinarians play in caring for wildlife population health.