What does it take to be a wildlife rehabilitator?

If I take this pigeon to a wildlife rehabilitator, will they take it away from me?

• I found an injured pigeon, and took her in. I think someone tried killing her, and she managed to escape. I keep hearing that wild animals can go to a wildlife rehab and they will fix their injuries for free, but that they will be released into the wild afterward. The thing that really worries me is that she may not be able to fly or walk properly again. ALSO, it appears the person beat her body up as well as broke her wing and one of her legs (when I found her, someone had already tried fixing her leg, but I want to make sure I take her to a vet anyways). Her wing seems like it is improving, as she can stretch it out now, but she cries if you touch her body or pick her up. My mom and I adopted a feral cat who was also either abused or thrown out of a fast moving car...because she could not walk correctly for a while, and had bruised ribs (which eventually healed, and now she LOVES my mom like no other cat has lol). But my point is, I really want to make sure this pigeon has a good life, and if she can't fly or walk again that I can take care of her (I would take her on walks and let her visit her flock), and play games with her and feed her good food. There is a law that states that pigeons are not protected under a wildlife act that makes it illegal to keep them as pets, and I would much rather pay a couple hundred dollars (even though I am a student) to get her fixed and also be able to keep her until she heals and then see if she stays or goes, than to have her scared, euthanized, lonely, or set free far away from her pack. The vet said that the problem with our feral cats legs/paws would never disappear, but it did after she became happy and knew that she could trust us...The vet is still at a loss for words! So yea, I'm just curious...because I don't want to spend a few hundred dollars if I don't have to, unless that means the difference between helping the pigeon until she recovers or having her taken away. Thank you so much :)

• Answer:

  Take her to a wildlife rescue. As long as she can be saved, they will save her, and set her free if she can live a normal life. If she cannot live a normal life she will go to a wildlife sanctuary, or be used for demonstrations about wildlife that many rescue foundations put on. Don't worry they would never let an animal free that wasn't 100% able to live a happy and full life. However if you take it to a wildlife rescue, they will not give it back to you. Many vets will not treat a wild animal, so if you do take it, be prepared to be rejected. Also if the vet does take the bird, there is a lot of vaccinations that the bird will need in order to make it safe as a house pet. Also there is the chance that the injuries are too severe and the pigeon will have to be put to sleep. Also once an animal has grown up in the wild, it is likely that they will never be happy in captivity, no matter how good your intentions. I would recommend the wildlife rescue. That will give the birdie the best chance of health and happiness. Thank you for your kindness :-)