“I had come out of college not entirely sure the direction I wanted to go, but I knew that I loved wildlife documentaries, which turned into loving wildlife research. At that point, it snowballed to wanting to increase how much I work with wildlife, which ultimately led me to the apprenticeship where I work with animals nearly every day. This apprenticeship has been instrumental in allowing me to not only practice wildlife rehabilitation, but to become licensed and be fully immersed in the work. I have had amazing opportunities that otherwise would have been difficult to do on my own. Additionally, the interpersonal relationships with the other staff, interns, and volunteers are an unexpected pleasantry of the job. I had started college in engineering and could not see myself in a public-facing job at that time, but this apprenticeship has me looking forward to spreading awareness and necessities of the wildlife world.

"How does it feel to know that the work I’m doing is directly helping animals and supporting the mission of DCHS’s Wildlife Center? It gets me out of bed every day – this work is something that fuels me, even on the hard days because I know I am still contributing and doing what I can to support my community, both wildlife and people. It can be a difficult career path to commit to because of resource availability, so donating funds towards this opportunity not only supports the individual, but it supports the Wildlife Center and Wisconsin rehabilitators as a whole. There is a marked need for rehabilitators, especially as human interactions with wildlife continue to increase and climate change further impacts the landscape.”

– Ashton Whitaker, 2023 Werndli Apprentice

“Reflecting on my wildlife rehabilitation internship, I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have participated in this experience. Beyond fulfilling another category of species experience for my veterinary school application, this internship has been invaluable on a personal level. I have acquired technical skills, including species-specific handling, medication administration, the delivery of subcutaneous fluids to avian species, and comprehensive care tailored to different species. Professionally, I have developed stronger communication abilities, particularly in delegating responsibilities, and honed my leadership skills to ensure the successful completion of tasks. This experience has significantly deepened my commitment to pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, and I am eager to continue working with wildlife in my future endeavors. I extend my sincere gratitude for this exceptional opportunity!”

– Marley Koleno, 2024 Summer Intern

“My experience in this internship has profoundly impacted me both personally and professionally. I have gained significant hands-on experience in wildlife care, acquired knowledge about Wisconsin species and their specific needs and threats, and developed a general understanding of the rehabilitation process. These experiences have reinforced my love for wildlife conservation and solidified my dedication to this field.

“The internship has additionally guided me in shaping my future educational and career path as I soon enter the workforce. It has equipped me with strong problem-solving skills and emotional resilience, qualities that I will carry forward into my future endeavors. I have a greater appreciation for this career and how it fits into the greater picture of conservation.”

– Piper Bandera, 2024 Summer Intern