Learn what happens when an animal is rehabilitated and returned to the wild. In many cases, we may never know, but there are a few ways post-release data can be gathered on former patients. This insight not only can prove that wildlife rehabilitation works, but post-release data can also contribute important information about overall wildlife populations. In this episode, join Center staff and wildlife researchers as they reflect on what some former wildlife patients have taught us.

Learn how to set up a safe backyard habitat, including the critical components to make your yard a sanctuary for wild animals. Join Wildlife Center staff and backyard naturalists to learn how we can create safe spaces to attract wildlife while minimizing our impact and chance of disturbance for our wild neighbors.

Students are introduced to the concept and steps of the engineering design process and taught how to apply it. Students first receive some background information about biomedical engineering (aka bioengineering). Then they learn about material selection and material properties by using a provided guide. In small groups, students learn of their design challenge (improve a cast for a broken arm), brainstorm solutions, are given materials and create prototypes. To finish, teams communicate their design solutions through class poster presentations.

Learn about becoming a veterinarian. The Wildlife Center of Virginia is a teaching hospital for wildlife medicine and conservation. Through intensive, hands-on programs in veterinary medicine, wildlife rehabilitation, and education, the Center staff train dozens of people each year. These professional staff and students may now be found on the cutting-edge of wildlife veterinary medicine around the world.

Learn about the many ways technology has transformed wildlife medicine and education. In many cases, technology has allowed us to treat injured wildlife more quickly and more effectively and has shaped the way we form our protocols and procedures. New technologies have also allowed us to expand our educational footprint and reach new people around the world.

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.