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About Us

IWRC is education and resources for wildlife conservation worldwide.

There are many ways to “preserve and protect wildlife and habitat.” The founders of IWRC chose to preserve and protect through the support of wildlife rehabilitation.

Wildlife rehabilitation is the act of providing temporary care for injured, sick or orphaned wildlife with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. By providing unique insights into issues affecting wildlife populations, species and habitats, wildlife rehabilitation contributes to wildlife conservation and protection worldwide.

IWRC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Our History

A History of Improving Wildlife Care Worldwide

The International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) was founded in 1972 in California by a group of individuals concerned about the care and conservation of native wildlife. Due in part to the intense urban growth and loss of native habitat the United States experienced in the 1970’s, more people were coming into contact with wild animals in distress.

In response, formal wildlife rehabilitation programs began forming. While the number of wildlife rehabilitation facilities in the United States was growing, a lack of clear, professional standards of care and support networks resulted in these programs operating in an isolated manner, with methods based primarily on trial and error.

IWRC founders sought to create a professional association where wildlife rehabilitators could access reliable, science-based and up-to-date information and share resources to help improve the quality of care provided to injured wild animals. Since the organization was created, IWRC has supported an estimated 16,000 wildlife rehabilitators with training and resources.

Meet our Staff

Alexandra Reddy

Alexandra Reddy

Membership and Development Coordinator

Alexandra (Alex) is honored to support the IWRC’s global network of wildlife rehabilitators and professionals. Alex is passionate about wildlife...

Julissa Favela

Julissa Favela

Programs Manager

Julissa’s wildlife rehabilitation life started while working at a veterinary clinic in Humboldt county, CA. She happened upon a young...

Kai Williams

Kai Williams

Executive Director

I’ve worked for IWRC since 2010, although my actual relationship with the organization goes back to my teenage years in...

Katie McInnis DVM, CWR

Katie McInnis DVM, CWR

International Outreach and Content Specialist

Katie became interested in pursuing wildlife medicine during veterinary school. After graduating from Kansas State with her DVM she spent...

Samantha Lyon

Samantha Lyon

North American Course Coordinator

My interest in pursuing a career in conservation gained traction while participating in wildlife caretaking internships starting as an undergraduate. ...