DCHS’s Wildlife Center concluded another successful year, admitting 3,158 individual animals in 2025 – with almost 70% of those rehabilitated resulting in a positive outcome. Patient diversity was 154 species: 53% avian, 34% mammal, 12% reptile, and 1% amphibian. 

For those who might wonder how we determine “success” in wildlife rehabilitation, it’s not as easy as you might think. First, we need to analyze the circumstance of admission for each patient – did the animal pass away in transport, or on its way to the Wildlife Center? Did it pass away just after arrival, despite supportive care and before it could be examined by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator? Was the animal so grievously injured that humane euthanasia was warranted? These questions prompt frequent debate about what the “best practices” are when calculating and reporting release rates, or how you factor key circumstances into final statistics. In this piece, we opt for providing more information rather than less to help provide accuracy and clarity for those who are interested in the process.

First, we look at the total number of patients admitted to DCHS’s Wildlife Center each year. From that, we subtract all patients listed as “deceased on arrival”, knowing that no amount of intervention would have changed the outcome, despite human efforts. Next, we reduce that number by all animals that were “euthanized on arrival” because those animals arrive in such critical condition that providing a humane euthanasia may be the best or only ethical option available to us to help ease their passing. Those cases could be considered a “success” from one perspective, as wildlife rehabilitators and sponsoring veterinarians play a crucial role in helping to relieve pain and suffering for wild animals that are unable to be treated. That being said, when determining “success” as a whole, our Wildlife Center prefers to look at the survival percentage or release rates from those who were truly kept for rehabilitation. 

Last, we subtract those that died in the first 24 hours of arrival, as it is the most critical period for any wildlife admitted for rehabilitation. Many animals arrive late in the day, or after typical work hours, without the ability for staff members from our non-profit organization to stay overnight or to be present 24 hours per day for emergency medical care and triage. Not only that, but animals arrive sick, injured, or orphaned, and most are presenting as thin to emaciated, dehydrated, and in pain – whether from trauma, starvation, disease processes, loss of function, or other reason for decline. Many situations are irreversible and take incredible resources to resolve. Furthermore, all wildlife arrives in a state of stress – typically acute from transport, handling, or capture, while others are chronic after suffering for days, weeks, or months, depending on the ailment(s). Stress contributes to a higher risk of mortality in wildlife, and it is difficult to prevent or manage. It’s even harder to reduce at onset or if extreme. While people may do their best, stress is seen as a silent killer in rehabilitation. 

Removing those specific data points leaves all animals that were admitted, evaluated, and treated in rehabilitation and that survived more than 24 hours after arrival. To our team, this is a good way to evaluate “success” because it’s the culmination of outcomes that describe our team’s investment in trying to help these animals. It’s a percentage or rate that represents the most positive portion of our time and efforts, whether the animal is released, transferred to another rehabilitator (for continued care and assuming this leads to eventual release), or placed in a zoo, sanctuary, or other placement opportunity (to their benefit). We can also break out different species and their corresponding resolutions to key-in on trends over time or to identify irregularities. For example, American Crows (0%, n=38), Red-tailed Hawks (33%, n=69), and Cooper’s Hawks (33%, n=18) all had poorer success rates in 2025 than in previous years. Why? Our rehabilitators strongly suggest it was due to high prevalence of West Nile Virus (WNV) locally that impacted these species, knowing that once contracted and shedding, survival rates are low. 

Our best success was represented by species like Eastern Screech Owls (100% success, n=9), Hooded Mergansers (100%, n=9), Eastern Pheobe (100% success, n=6), and American Woodcock (100% success, n=3). Great success rates included Western Painted and Snapping Turtles (78% success, n=148 and n=182, respectively), House Finch (72% success, n=96), Mallard Ducks (74% success, n=294), and Northern Flickers (80% success, n=9). Additionally, fair success rates included Virginia Opossums (64% success, n=129), Chimney Swifts (64% success, n=14), Great Horned Owls (60% success, n=27), and American Robins (52% success, n=175). While these are only a few categories to look at, each of them provides essential details that can help inform our future decisions or point towards changes that might improve release rates next year. 

Aside from wildlife admission, our receptionists took over 6,000 phone calls from members of the public, most in May 2025 with 2,022 calls logged, and recorded over 550 hours of “talk time” as calculated by our digital phone system. This doesn’t include texts, e-mails, or walk-in appointments (unexpected), so we know the rates are even higher than reported. With over 100 volunteers, 25 interns, and dozens of 4th year veterinary students coming to shadow our staff, we, as rehabilitators, feel incredibly successful in our ability to “help people help animals” in our community again this year. Thanks to supporters, donors, employees, and more – we do it together, with many hands and hearts. 

Jackie Edmunds is the Wildlife Program Manager at DCHS's Wildlife Center

One of the 154 species admitted to the Wildlife Center in 2025 turned out to be a Eurasian collared dove, which is non-native and adoptable. One of our wildlife volunteers adopted the dove and recently shared this update with photos: 

"I've always wanted to adopt a dove or pigeon and I've been volunteering at the wildlife center for a while now. When they arrived and needed a home, it just seemed like the right time. Watching Ziggy grow and learn is so much fun! They are finding their voice and have the cutest kazoo noises, though I miss the squeaks. Ziggy loves flying, their nest, and milo seeds. They are a lovely addition to our household."

Learn more about Eurasian collared doves here.