A Heart for the Wild: The Reality of Rehabilitation

Good morning, everyone.

I had a completely different post planned for today, but as I was scrolling through Facebook this morning—looking at photos and videos of wildlife—I found myself thinking: “Damn, how privileged are we?” To be this close to these amazing animals, to handle them, and to be the one who helps them is a gift I never take for granted.

Every animal I’ve worked with holds a special place in my heart. Some we’ve saved, and some, unfortunately, we were just too late to help. But I would never change the path I’ve chosen.

The “Invisible” Need

In my honest opinion, wildlife doesn’t always get the same support as domestic animals. Because you can’t touch or pet them, people sometimes don’t feel that same connection. But our wildlife needs us now more than ever.

Rehab is a 24/7, 365-day commitment. You have to be on your game every single day, no matter how tired or sick you feel, because you made a promise to that animal.

The Cost of “Progress”

We often don’t think about the impact of our actions. When we cut down a tree to build a house, do we think about the nests and the babies inside? We are taking away their homes, leaving them with no choice but to raid our bins for food. We see them injured by the trash we throw away or secondary poisoning because of the toxins we put into the environment.

The Thin Line of Love

They are called “wildlife” for a reason. They aren’t pets, and they aren’t here to be cuddled. Speaking from experience, it is not easy to keep your distance. There are days you just want to hold them and tell them they’ll be okay, but they don’t understand that. To them, we are a source of stress. There is a very thin line between caring for them and stressing them out; God made them wild for a reason, just as He gave us domestic animals to love and kiss.

(Believe me, if it wasn’t for Roy, I’d have rescued every dog and cat in sight! But with wildlife, the goal is different.)

The Ultimate Reward

We can’t save them all, and sometimes the stress of the injury is just too much for them. But for the ones we do save? That feeling of releasing them back into the wild is something I can’t explain. It’s a mix of every emotion—sadness, joy, and the feeling of a mother letting her child go. It’s an accomplishment to see them go back where they belong.

Wildlife rehab is expensive, stressful, and complicated. Before I started, even I didn’t realize the level of planning and work it takes. But I am so proud of what I do. I am honoured to work with these beautiful creatures every day.

To all my fellow rehabbers: We see you. Thank you for your hard work, your sacrifice, and your unwavering commitment.

Keep fighting the good fight.