UPDATE 6/8/2020 Joint Statement on Wildlife Rehabiliation during COVID-19 from NWRA and IWRC The IWRC and our partners have gathered some advice for wildlife rehabilitation operations in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The situation is fluid, and our responses must be agile to align. We will work to update this post as additional guidance and tools become available. Abbreviations used throughout: Member of the Public – MOP, Personal Protective Equipment – PPE Biosecurity Best Practices Biosecurity and cleanliness are vital to the prevention of disease transmission. Make sure that you are up to date on recommendations and have protocols...
13 March 2020November 4, 2021Aya Cockram
The Cost of Self-Deployment:
Deciding how to help during the Australian Brush Fires (and other similar emergencies) Since news of the devastating Australia bush fires broke in late December there has been an outpouring of support as well as a wave of global horror and sorrow. For many, including those involved in wildlife rehabilitation or care, this crisis evokes a strong need to contribute or help the animals affected by the fires. This altruistic urge is not surprising as many people feel a strong connection to the wildlife of Australia because it is so unique, with many species that are imperiled or endangered. ...
06 March 2020November 4, 2021Kai
IWRC and NWRA Oppose Changes to Migratory Bird Treaty Act
March 6, 2020 JOINT STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Eugene, Oregon] — The National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA) and the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) are writing to comment on the scope of Opinion M-37050 (M opinion) proposed by the DOI US Fish and Wildlife Service (the Service). The M opinion on the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) interprets the take of a migratory bird, its nest, or eggs that is incidental to another lawful activity as not in violation of the MBTA, and that the MBTA’s criminal provisions do not apply to those activities. The IWRC and NWRA...
03 February 2020November 4, 2021Brooke Durham
Spotlight on Max Lipman
Q&A with Max: Please share an early/childhood experience that was pivotal to your personal relationship to wildlife. I was very fortunate to have outdoorsy parents. However, until my first internship with a wildlife hospital, I was completely naive to the field of wildlife rehabilitation. When I found out about it, I was instantly intrigued. I always knew I wanted to be a non-domestic veterinary professional, but wasn’t sure how exactly… My internship helped solidify my interest after seeing the diversity, passion, and dedication of the amazing individuals within this field. Describe a specific area of interest or a...
14 January 2020November 4, 2021Kai
IWRC works to support to wildlife carers affected by Australian bushfires
January 14, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Eugene, Oregon] — As animal lovers across the world collect veterinary supplies to send animal rescue organisations in Australia, the IWRC is working with Gather Voices and the National Wildlife Rehabilitation Council to collect messages of support for those working to rescue wild animals caught in the Australia bush fires. In the wake of the devastating fires in Australia an outpouring of support has come from the international community. From large scale organizations collecting veterinary supplies, to individuals donating funds to the animal rescue organizations in Australia, support for injured and displaced...
14 January 2020November 4, 2021Kai
IWRC Australia Letter Writing Campaign
The issue: As you may know, the wildfires in Victoria, New South Wales, and Western Australia have consumed large areas and devastated local wildlife populations in the millions — with estimates of the animal death toll at over a billion individuals. Wildlife rehabilitators are working tirelessly to triage, aid, and hopefully rehabilitate these animals. This work is challenging because of the sheer volume of animals and limited resources. It is also emotionally overwhelming to see such death and destruction, to lose many patients or not be able to get to animals in time. What can we do?: The IWRC...
08 January 2020July 26, 2022Brooke Durham
Australia
There are no words in any human vocabulary to describe the unimaginable horror as Australia burns. There are emotions, deep-stabbing pains of grief, voids and the vacancy of loss, infinite vacuum of pain, but no words. Not one living thing consumed by this hell brought on by human greed and antipathy deserves this fate. I write this now, as my Australian colleagues have much more important things to do. I hope to voice some of their feelings, but I do not speak for them; I understand there is no possibility that I can ever know the pain they suffer. Looking...
17 December 2019November 4, 2021Kai
Spotlight on Aya Cockram
Aya joined the IWRC staff on December 2nd, 2019. You can find short bio’s on each of our staff members here! Q&A with Aya: Please share an early/childhood experience that was pivotal to your personal relationship to wildlife. When I was twelve years old my neighbor rescued a baby squirrel from the jaws of her dog. She gave the little one to me and my parents to care for. The process of researching squirrel care, building her an environment, getting to enjoy her presence and then, the bittersweet experience of releasing her had a significant impact on me during a...
13 November 2019November 4, 2021Brooke Durham
Mindful and Thankful of our Journey for Wildlife
With just a month or so to go before another year closes out, the team at the IWRC have been reflecting on our past couple of years’ accomplishments which are accelerating year on year. Front of mind is that none of our work is possible without the generosity of our supporters around the globe, and equally, that all of our work should be accessible, for all wildlife professionals, around the globe. Sincere thanks to all our members and industry supporters who recognise the value of the education we provide and believe in our mission; to provide evidence-based education and...
24 October 2019November 4, 2021Brooke Durham
In memory of Gary Bogue, an IWRC founding board member & JWR editor
IWRC founding board member and former Journal of Wildlife Rehabilitation editor Gary Bogue died at his Bay area home this September at age 81. In December of 1974, Gary, curator at the Alexander Lindsay Junior Museum, was one of eight individuals to sign the articles of incorporation for IWRC, at the time called Wildlife Rehabilitation Council. He had been involved with IWRC since the earliest of board minutes – January 17, 1974, and although I have no records, likely as early as a 1972 consortium of rehabilitators where the gem of IWRC began. In the late 70’s and early...