What does it take to be a wildlife rehabilitator?

What does it take to become a wildlife rehabilitator?

• when i am older i want to work at a wildlife rehabilitation center...preferably with all varieties of animals, but especially mammals. anyone know what courses i should focus on in ...show more

• Answer:

  I myself am not a wildlife rehabilitator, but I volunteered at a raptor conservation center for three years where I worked closely with one. He actually started out as a volunteer there with no background in rehabilitation and had a knack for it (and much dedication) and also a bit of luck to end up in that position. The center was started by a veterinarian, and when we advertised for an assistant rehabilitator, they were looking for someone with veterinary skills. In fact, many wildlife rehab centers are part of university vet programs. I would focus my studies on pre-vet coursework as an undergrad and possibly work as a vet tech if possible to gain experience. The National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association recommends you have a degree in ecology or biology. Check out the link below for details. They also have a link for job opportunities in the field. Might be wise to look them over and see what they are looking for. Good luck--I'm sure it's an interesting and rewarding career! Addition: I was just thinking...many centers also offer educational programs and some have hired personnel specifically for these programs. If hands-on wildcare isn't your thing, but you still want to work at a center, perhaps this would be a good alternative...perhaps focusing more on eco-tourism type coursework. Also, if you have the chance, take a grant-writing course or something similar (like writing a proposal for an undergrad thesis). That would look great on a resume especially since most rehab centers are non-profit.