“I applied for this internship because I’ve always been fascinated by animals, whether domestic or wildlife, and want to deepen my understanding of how to care for those in need. I was also motivated by a personal encounter with wildlife that made me realize how much I still have to learn and inspired me to gain the knowledge and skills needed to respond appropriately in similar situations. A couple of years ago, while taking my dog for a walk, I had an unexpected encounter with a rabbit on my lawn. Startled, she gave birth right in front of me out of fear, and I realized I didn’t know the best way to help her or whether I should intervene at all. That moment stayed with me, even now, and it strengthened my desire to learn how to provide proper care. Through this internship, I hope to not only learn the appropriate ways to help wildlife as a citizen but also to develop safe handling techniques, species-specific care practices, and the full rehabilitation process from intake to release. I’m especially interested in working with a variety of species and understanding how each contributes to the balance of the ecosystem.” 

– Jei Pau (Fall 2025 Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern) 

“One case that was significant to me was two Cedar Waxwings that we recently released. On my first shift training to do songbird care, I learned how to feed all of the incubator birds, including those two birds. They were one of the first species I ever got to interact with and care for at the Wildlife Center. For many weeks after that, I tweezer-fed the Cedar Waxwings, watched their weight increase, and saw them regain their strength until eventually they were moved to an outdoor enclosure. I was still able to prepare their diets, clean their enclosure, and help staff with weekly weighing procedures. A couple weeks ago, I got to release them along with another intern that trained me on how to care for them. This experience was so special to me because it is the first time that I was able to be involved in an animal’s rehabilitation from start to finish. Knowing I was involved in helping them get back to their natural habitat is extremely rewarding and something I had never done before this internship. It was the cherry on top that I got to watch them be released on the Wildlife Center property!” 

– Megan Zlimen (Fall 2025 Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern) 

“One of the most rewarding experiences I had at the Wildlife Center so far was helping to care for two Northern Cardinals that were admitted as tiny hatchlings. When they first arrived, they were completely dependent on our support. There were multiple days where I was feeding them every thirty minutes for ten-hour periods, constantly monitoring their wellbeing. Over time, I watched as they grew stronger, learned to perch, and eventually began to feed on their own. Watching them develop from fragile nestlings into fully feathered adults was incredibly fulfilling. What made their rehabilitation especially meaningful was witnessing their gradual shift in behavior as they matured. Early on, they readily accepted care, and even during the fledgling stage, they were a bit too comfortable with the presence of humans entering their cage. However, as they developed, we used techniques to make them healthily fearful so they became appropriately wary of us. That healthy fear of humans, which is a sign of successful rehabilitation, meant that they were on their way to be ready to return to the wild. A day came when I got into work and they weren't there (i.e., released). I was full of appreciation knowing that we are able to restore their independence and that we give rehabilitated animals the best chance to thrive in the wild where they belong.” 

– Lola Wasserman (Fall 2025 Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern) 

“As an intern working for the DCHS wildlife center I feel like I have gained a better understanding of why wildlife rehab is important. Before I started this internship I was definitely confused about why wildlife rehabilitation even existed. I thought that animals get sick and die in the wild all the time so why should we intervene to change that if that is just how nature works. I now understand that a lot of the reason animals that come into the center do is because of human caused accidents or illnesses that have been made worse because of humans. I also have developed a greater appreciation for all of the volunteers, donors, and staff that make wildlife rehabilitation happen. I appreciate how crafty everyone is to solve problems that we don't have the funding to solve in traditional ways or just to save materials and supplies. Working for the DCHS wildlife center has certainly impacted me in a large way. I am now seriously considering going into the field of wildlife rehabilitation which was pretty much not on my radar at all before the internship. I feel so lucky to have been able to spend my summer here at DCHS and I hope to come back as a volunteer and maybe later an apprentice. Thank you for this experience!” 

– Leo Kricheff (Summer 2025 Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern, graduated) 

“This opportunity provided me with countless experiences that I have always dreamed of doing, and some that I never even thought were possible. This type of hands-on experience has honestly taught me more about wild animal care than the last couple years of my education towards a degree in Wildlife Ecology. Additionally, and unfortunately, it taught me that I have a slight, very specific, hemophobia (a fear of seeing blood or bloodwork)! I also learned that the scale I had imagined of “good or bad people” out there when it came to wild animal encounters was not nearly as narrow as I had thought – on both sides. I got to hear about and witness some of the most pure, true acts of kindness, where people go above and beyond to help a wild animal, as well as seeing some ignorant, selfish, or senseless acts done at the expense of an animal’s health and safety. Another big thing I learned was how to better cope with or understand the “circle of life.” A few months ago, I probably would not have been able or willing to consider assisting an animal with eating or hunting another animal if they were carnivorous or omnivorous. But, working with wild animals and seeing how good of a sign it is when they’re successfully hunting (or consuming) prey items, knowing that it is what is natural for them, has allowed me to overcome those past fears and narrow mindedness.”

– Sawyer Norby (Summer 2025 Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern, graduated)