Our Wildlife Rehabilitator job description includes the responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.
About the Wildlife Rehabilitator role
A wildlife rehabilitator is a professional who is trained and licensed to care for injured or orphaned wildlife with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. They provide medical attention, food, shelter, and other forms of aid to wild animals in need.
Role Purpose
The purpose of a Wildlife Rehabilitator is to provide care and treatment to injured, orphaned, or sick wild animals, with the goal of returning them to their natural habitat. Wildlife Rehabilitators work in collaboration with wildlife authorities, veterinarians, and other professionals to assess an animal’s health and provide appropriate rehabilitation, treatment, and care. Wildlife Rehabilitators also develop strategies to minimize the impact of human activities on wildlife habitats, provide public education on wildlife safety, and promote sustainable wildlife management.
Wildlife Rehabilitator Summary
A Wildlife Rehabilitator is a professional responsible for providing medical care and rehabilitation for injured, orphaned, or sick wild animals. They work in conjunction with wildlife biologists and veterinarians to assess the animal’s condition, provide necessary medical care, and release the animal back into its natural environment. They must be knowledgeable about the behavior, diet, and natural habitat of the wildlife species they are working with. Wildlife Rehabilitators must also be able to assess and treat the animal’s injuries, administer medication, and develop a plan for the animal’s release. They must also have good communication skills to interact with other professionals and the public.
Wildlife Rehabilitator Duties
- Assess and monitor the health of injured or orphaned wildlife
- Provide medical care and rehabilitative feeding and housing
- Obtain necessary permits and licenses from local authorities
- Educate volunteers and interns on wildlife rehabilitation
- Release rehabilitated wildlife back into the wild
Wildlife Rehabilitator Skills
- Animal husbandry
- Animal anatomy and physiology
- Animal behavior
- Caring for injured and orphaned wildlife
- Preparing and feeding special diets
- Administering medications
- Release of rehabilitated animals
Wildlife Rehabilitator Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management, Biology, Ecology or a related field
- Ability to work with a variety of wildlife species
- Knowledge of wildlife rehabilitation regulations and standards
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Excellent organizational and communication skills
Personal Traits
- Compassionate
- Knowledgeable
- Organized
- Dedicated