“I am a current animal science student with aspirations of applying to vet school. I applied to this internship in order to expand my field of view in the world of animal care. Over my years of working hands-on with animals, I have gained a broad array of experiences. With each one, I consistently find that there are so many things that can’t simply be learned from in-the-classroom experiences. Though I have worked in fields from companion animal care to dairy cattle care, my most meaningful experience was spending a summer as an animal rehabilitation volunteer at the Green Bay wildlife sanctuary. While there, I realized I have a specific passion for advocating and protecting those who can’t always protect themselves, which is why I am grateful to be a part of this opportunity to rehabilitate wildlife. This internship gives me an opportunity to further my career under the guidance of mentors who are equally as passionate as I am about this field. Most importantly, it allows me to make a difference in an area I believe I have potential to preserve in. I am hoping to learn more about a variety of animal species in the world of wildlife rehab while learning their individual needs as a rehabilitator.”

-Brianna Kowalski is a 2026 Summer Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern. She's pictured in the top photo feeding an American Robin.

“My first day on raptors, I had the opportunity to catch and weigh a Broad-winged Hawk. I had a lot of doubts about my abilities at the moment because I had never done anything like it before. Senior Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator, Geneva, verbally walked me through the process and told me I could try and catch, but don't feel pressured if I wasn't comfortable. I figured I would just help flush the hawk to her, but on its second pass, I netted the patient and had him toweled like I had done it a thousand times before. That moment was special to me because I had such an adrenaline rush and a newfound confidence in everyday patient care. I have carried that decisiveness into many other species and have bettered my problem-solving skills since starting this internship!”

-Nikki Hoffart is a 2026 Summer Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern. In the above video, Nikki handles a raptor in an outdoor enclosure at the Wildlife Center.

“I have had the privilege of working with such a large number and variety of animals at the Wildlife Center, but one group of birds will always have a special place in my heart. When I first began working in songbirds, I was asked to feed a few outdoor fledgling enclosures every thirty minutes. One enclosure was occupied by Common Grackles. I was immediately intrigued by their sleek black feathers and similarities to ravens and crows, which have always been some of my favorite birds. However, what drew me in further is their intelligence. They self-feed so quickly after being moved outdoors, recognized me, and know exactly what time I will be back to feed them. Spending so much time with these unique birds really puts into perspective how much these animals know and understand of their surroundings. This realization has given me a new level of empathy and understanding into animal lives and has also named the Common Grackle as my new favorite bird.”

-Caroline Renk is a 2026 Summer Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern.

“It’s been very helpful training from staff when they are available. I’ve learned many tricks on how to feed birds, make diets quick, etc. DCHS staff have made me feel valued as part of a team, and I would love to give a shout out to Kate and Lynnea because they are amazing apprentices! I truly know it will be a very fun day whenever I see them on the whiteboard in the morning.”

-Simon Conkey is a 2026 Summer Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern.