04 October 2023November 26, 2023

IWRC Member Spotlight: Michelle Watson

Michelle Watson CWR Tell us a little about yourself: After working for nearly 16 years in the field of wildlife rehabilitation, I have been offered the opportunity to establish my own center under the banner of the Kogelberg Biosphere in this stunning part of the Western Cape. My dream has always been to run a training hospital similar to the Wildlife Centre of Virginia, where rehabbers and wildlife vets can gain experience and qualify as Certified Wildlife Rehabilitators with the IWRC. Thankfully, the local municipality recognizes the need for a center in this area and has provided us with a...

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11 September 2023September 15, 2023

Silvia M. Valles, Melina’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, IWRC Member Spotlight

Tell us a little about yourself: To begin with, I am an animal lover, all animals without exception and as a result I am vegetarian. I have been around animals and dedicated my life to save them. Taking the proper precautions I can handle any animal, from a raccoon, to a bat or even a rattlesnake without fear or concern. Tell us about your experience as a wildlife professional: What I love about being a licensed wildlife rehabilitator is the challenges everyday. Everytime I answer the phone I don’t know what I will be facing or doing next, it could...

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09 August 2023September 11, 2023

Zoonotic Diseases

The world health organization (WHO) estimates that zoonotic diseases account for billions of illnesses globally every year. In countries with high level infrastructure these diseases are rarer, but still a risk, especially for those in select professions (biologists, veterinarians, wildlife rehabilitators,etc.) or the immunocompromised. Those outside of these groups may contract these illnesses when exposed to pets or random encounters with wildlife. It is thus important to know some basics about these pathogens so that you can prevent exposure and seek appropriate guidance if you are concerned. What is a zoonotic disease? What kind of diseases are zoonotic? What animals...

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02 August 2023September 11, 2023

IWRC Member Spotlight: Agamon Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (AWRC)

In this post we spotlight IWRC member the Agamon Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (AWRC). This center was established in December 2019 through a collaboration of KKL-JNF and Tel Hai College, led by Yaron Charka the Chief Ornithologist of KKL-JNF and Rona Nadler Valency, wildlife veterinarian and certified wildlife rehabilitator (DVM, CWR), the director of the Rehabilitation Center. The Center provides a haven for wildlife in Northern Israel. It is located in the Hula Lake Nature and Ornithology Park at the heart of the Hula Valley, which has become one of the most important migratory flyway stopover sites for avian wildlife in...

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25 June 2023September 11, 2023

IWRC Member Spotlight: Érika Pioltine Anseloni, Ph.D.

Érika Pioltine Anseloni, a Biologist and Wildlife Vet Assistant from Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, has a deep love for nature and animals. Her passion for wildlife rehabilitation began during her one-year tenure at Centre Wildlife Care (CWC) in Central Pennsylvania, United States, during the pandemic (2020-2021), following the completion of her Ph.D. Inspired by the valuable experiences she gained from working with Robyn Graboski, dedicated volunteers, and the animals at CWC, Érika was motivated to continue her efforts in helping animals upon returning to Brazil. In August 2021, she established “Todo Bicho Bom,” her own organization, where she voluntarily engages...

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07 June 2023June 8, 2023

IWRC Member Spotlight: Connie Black

DESTINED TO FLY/SONGBIRD REHABILITATORS NETWORK IWRC member Connie Black is the founder and director of Destined to Fly in Harrowsmith, Ontario. She has dedicated her life to wildlife rehabilitation, particularly focusing on the care of songbirds. With a passion for avian species, she established the Songbird Rehabilitators Network on Facebook in collaboration with Julie Eicke, a renowned North Carolina Avian Rehabilitator, back in 2016. This online community was created to provide valuable information and support to those who are permitted to care for migratory songbirds of all ages, including volunteers, staff, and interns. Having started her journey in 2003, Connie...

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07 February 2023February 7, 2023

All That Breathes: Award Winning Wildlife Rehabilitation Documentary

A year after viewing All That Breathes, thoughts of the film still send vivid pictures of the wildlife of New Delhi dancing through my head; a turtle stepping through urban refuse, kites wheeling in the sky. This documentary film, featuring IWRC members Nadeem Shehzad and Mohammad Saud, explores the realities of urban human wildlife interactions. Set in the metropolis of New Delhi, the film captures moments in the wildlife rehabilitation center, Wildlife Rescue, and glimpses of the ecosystem of free living wildlife in the city.  All That Breathes started a buzz in the film industry after its January 2022 release...

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