Becoming a Wildlife Rehabilitator
While we throng the sanctuaries or wildlife parks to see the animals and their activities, we hardly get a chance to bother about their illness and injuries. The Wildlife Rehabilitators take care of that aspect and heal their wounds. It may be easy to treat the humans using all modern techniques available in hospitals. But, this is not the case with animals. They do require special care and attention always.
The Wildlife Rehabilitator rescues and cares for all those helpless animals who suffer from illness or get attacked by mightier animals. Apart from that they take care of all animals on a daily basis by performing duties such as feeding them a nutritious diet, keeping them clean, providing medication and grooming them with care.
In addition, they also provide services to people or organization who seek help to nurture sick/injured animals. It’s also important for them to raise community awareness on this issue.
Education Requirements: To become a Wildlife Rehabilitator, no formal education may be required. But, a High School Diploma is usually preferred. Most positions are available at rehabilitation centers, zoos, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries etc.
As the state and federal laws typically protect the wild animals, most Wildlife Rehabilitators need to have the proper permits. The aspiring Wildlife Rehabilitators may go for a training or mentorship program to keep themselves updated. Voluntary certification is also available through the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council.
Salary Information: While in many states, Wildlife Rehabilitators work voluntarily and do not get paid, the median annual salary in this profession was $19,910, as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS projected the job outlook for Wildlife Rehabilitarors at 15% during 2012-2022 period.