Coming to the Wildlife Center of Virginia, I had a strong passion for the environment and a love for marine life. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and learn more about the animals I’m surrounded by every day and how they may need my help. I had a lot of experience in education but hardly any in animal care, so I knew I was in for a treat.
I came to the Wildlife Center of Virginia with one clear goal in mind: to figure out if wildlife rehabilitation is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I have never had a definitive idea of I wanted to do as a career … even after switching majors four times in college and graduating with a B.S. in biology, I’m still not sure what path to follow.
Throughout my three months at the Wildlife Center of Virginia in the summer of 2016, I noticed that the sounds of ICU changed with the seasons. During my first few weeks, the sound of cheeping, hungry, and impatient baby birds created its own odd harmony. When I left the Center in mid-September, the squirrels chattered away to each other in a not-so-melodic fashion. However, some patients sound tremendously different than the cacophony of background noise that typically fills the room.
Time sure does fly. Three months ago, I moved into the student house and started my first day at the Wildlife Center of Virginia. Today, my wildlife rehabilitation externship has come to an end. As I pack up my bags and say my goodbyes, I reflect on the rewarding and challenging experience this was. Allow me to delve into some of the highlights.
Here are some things that ran through my mind before, during, and after my rehabilitation externship at the Wildlife Center of Virginia.
For me, there are a couple of truly special things that will have me remembering 2016 in a positive way.
I often get asked by my colleagues if I miss the interactions between clients and their pets and the affectionate tail wags and purrs that I used to receive from my patients, in general practice and vet school.
I’ve been a treatment team volunteer for a couple of years, and if you watch the Critter Cam, the volunteers are often the ones holding the animals as the interns and students perform their treatments.
As 2016 draws to a close, I’m happy to take a few moments to reflect upon the positive changes and experiences that this year brought to my life.
I say this with pride … and I say this with sadness, because after 10 years of employment with the Wildlife Center of Virginia, I regret to say that I will be leaving in early 2017 for other pastures.
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