Category: HawkTalk

The Journey Back to the Wild

Great Horned Owl patient in the Wildlife Medical Clinic. This photo was the initial picture taken when they arrived at the clinic.

Great Horned Owl, Bubo virginianus

The great horned owl, Bubo virginianus, is found across the majority of North America. Here in Illinois, they are found across the entire state. They are very adaptable and can be found in trees in a variety of habitats, including forests, prairies, and some urban areas. They are easily identified by the tufts of feathers over their ears, which resemble horns.

Arrival to the Wildlife Medical Clinic

Towards the end of August, an adult great horned owl was presented to the clinic by a good Samaritan, and all that was known about it on presentation was that it was unable to fly. On the initial exam, the patient was thin and had severe diarrhea. Radiographs were taken, which confirmed that the patient did not have any fractures. A fecal was run, which showed the patient had a very heavy endoparasite load of capillaria. The patient was treated with a round of dewormers and antibiotics. A creance flight test was also performed, which is where the patient wears falconry equipment and is temporarily attached to a long line that is connected to a weight. Performing creance allows us to evaluate the patient’s flight while being able to easily retrieve them for continued care. At the initial creance, the patient would only defensively posture and did not attempt to fly.

A few days after treatment, a recheck fecal was performed. The capillaria load was lower but still heavy, and another deworming was performed. There is a fungus, Aspergillus, in the environment that birds can be susceptible to if they inhale the spores while they have a compromised immune system. Since there was potential for this patient to have a compromised immune system, a short prophylactic course of an antifungal medication was started as well. The patient had started declining in weight by the end of August and was not as interested in food, so the patient was supplementally fed for several days to prevent any further weight loss. 

Continued Care

A recheck was performed on a fecal sample in early September to re-evaluate the patient’s parasite load, and there were now fewer capillaria seen, but another endoparasite (coccidia) was also seen. Yet again, another dewormer was given for the intestinal parasites. A blood sample was also taken at this time and sent to the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab at the University of Illinois, and it was found the patient had moderate levels of three different blood parasites, including Plasmodium, or avian malaria. At this point, a daily anti-malarial drug called pyrimethamine was started. The goal for treatment for these blood parasites is to get them to low levels, as the patient will never be completely cured of them. A fecal and blood sample were rechecked about a week afterwards to monitor the patient’s response. The initial two intestinal parasites were not present, but another type of intestinal parasite (strongyle) was seen. Another dose of a dewormer medication was given. There were no major changes seen on the blood sample, but the blood parasites that were present can require a lengthy period of treatment to get them adequately controlled. At this time, the amount of food the patient was being offered was also increased to help keep weight on the patient, as all the food offered was being eaten.

Turning the Corner and Gaining Strength for Release

Great Horned Owl patient in our outdoor flight cage. This bird has gone through treatment and is gaining strength back before being released.

Towards the end of September, a recheck was performed where blood and fecal samples were taken and another creance session was completed. The fecal showed a very low strongyle load. It was elected not to administer another dewormer at this time as it was a low number of parasites, and the patient will naturally come across these parasites in the wild. The blood sample showed lower levels of the blood parasites, and it was decided to stop the anti-malarial course the patient had been on, as the levels were low enough for the immune system to keep them in check.

We tried another creance session and this time, the patient flew short distances and had symmetrical flight. This patient was getting stronger and healthier, so it was time to move them to an outdoor flight cage. This allows the patient to move around in a larger space and for us to access their flight better before considering release. After monitoring the patient in the outdoor flight cage, we decided to transfer them to another licensed rehabber in early October to continue monitoring the progression of healing while allowing the patient to fly in an even larger enclosure and gain more strength before returning to the wild.

Written By: Angela, Class of 2026

Ambassador Enrichment

Red-tailed hawk

Enrichment, What is it?

Virginia Opossum, "Petunia", figuring out how to get food out of a puzzle feeder.

In addition to the daily husbandry of our resident ambassador animals, we also provide training and enrichment. The goal of enrichment is to provide mental (and sometimes physically involved) stimulation while encouraging species specific behaviors. With our program, just like in all other managed care settings, we provide enrichment to our animals. We have an enrichment calendar where we have a rotation of different types and categories of enrichment that volunteers use to guide their enrichment activities. Every facility will have their own enrichment protocols/calendars to fit the needs of their animals. Collaboration often occurs between centers and other programs and this is a good resource for us to find new ideas for enrichment for our animals. Enrichment can make a big impact on the lives of our animals, and we strive to make it as new, exciting, and interactive as possible. Enrichment will vary depending on the species of the animal, their involvement in past enrichment activities, their comfort with volunteers and other interactions, and the ambassador’s own personalities.

Favorite Enrichment

Eastern box turtle "Hazel" maneuvering an obstacle course with lots of enrichment items.

Not only do we account for species specific natural behaviors, but we look at the individual personality of each animal in our care to determine appropriate enrichment for them. Over the years, we have kept track of what enrichment was favorable and what enrichment was not, allowing us to personalize their enrichment to ensure they are benefiting from what we are adding to their environment. Petunia, our Virginia opossum, loves food puzzles, foraging, new scents, and exploring. Ruby, one of our red-tailed hawks, loves to shred things and this encourages her species-specific behaviors. Hazel, our eastern box turtle, along with Onslo our blue-tongued skink, have been working on their obstacle course skills and have been maneuvering them well. River and Vara prefer more auditory enrichment over physical enrichment items. Odin, our other red-tailed hawk, enjoys a wide variety of enrichment from seasonal decorations to foraging to music. Maize and Caduceus, our snakes, explore and climb to new places. Clover, our American Kestrel, is extremely inquisitive and loves finding new items and decorations in her enclosure. While I’ve listed each ambassadors most interacted with type of enrichment, they all get a rotating variety of enrichment. This ensures that we are not just giving one type of enrichment so they are getting variety in their daily life as they would experience in the wild.

Training

American Kestrel "Clover" participating in training and standing on a scale to be weighed.

Training can also be enriching to our animals and we do train on glove with some of our raptor residents, while others have different kinds of training, such as target, crate, and scale training. For our training, we only use positive reinforcement techniques. We train for behaviors to help with educational program use or for husbandry and medical procedures which helps to decrease stress.

Red-tailed Hawk "Ruby" wearing a hood and sitting calmly on the glove while outside her enclosure.

Training is very complex and has many facets, it can also be very rewarding and enriching for the animals. For example, Ruby and Odin enjoy walks outside because they are glove trained. Sydney, along with some of our volunteers, are able to train with them throughout the week to ensure they remain comfortable and solid with the behaviors they are trained on and work to train new behaviors as needed. With the new addition of Sarah Spang to our team, a falconer, we have been able to add new techniques to our training with the raptors, particularly Ruby. We have seen that Ruby very much enjoys the extra training and has greatly benefited from it.

Enrichment, Rewarding for all!

Red-tailed Hawk, "Odin", carrying nesting material in his beak.

Enrichment is my favorite part about working in a managed care setting, I love letting my creativity lead the way. Whether I am thinking of new ways to make food puzzles, working on paper mache for the animals, finding new configurations and decorations in the enclosure, it is a wonderful creative outlet. It is also very rewarding seeing how the animals interact with the enrichment I created, especially when it brings out a targeted species-specific behavior and was mentally stimulating for the animal. We are always evaluating and adjusting the enrichment that is given to our resident animals to try to maximize the benefits of enrichment. So, next time you visit us or a different managed care setting, see if you can figure out what enrichment is being utilized!

Written By: Roxanne, Wildlife Ambassador Care Coordinator and Class of 2027

Welcome, Sarah Spang!

Falconer and Wildlife Medical Clinic volunteer, Sarah Spang, with a red-tailed hawk on the glove while out in the field hunting.

We would like to introduce you to a special volunteer that is currently helping us with some of our raptor training. Sarah is a licensed falconer that has brought some new training techniques to our program. We asked her a few questions and are excited to share her answers with you.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I began my Falconry journey 4 years ago. During the turbulence of the COVID pandemic, I was afforded an opportunity to step back from a 20-year career and take a sabbatical to focus on becoming a Falconer. I earned my state and federal Falconry licenses and continue to seek out as much knowledge and experience as possible by attending falconry events across the U.S., as well as working with several mentors. I hope to travel overseas when possible, to witness Falconry in other cultures. During the last 4 years I have had the privilege of working with 4 different facilities, over 50 individual raptors across 15 species. 

Falconer and WMC Volunteer, Sarah Spang, with her red tailed hawk on the glove.

In addition to my personal falconry birds, I also have 4 dogs. We have a full house!! Three of the dogs are hunting dogs and they go out into the field with the birds and I. Judy, Field-bred English cocker spaniel, chases rabbits with the Red-tailed hawk and Bodie and Boomer, German short-haired pointers, point pheasants for the Gyrfalcon. 

When I am not at the Wildlife Clinic or out in the field with my dogs and birds, you may find me practicing my bowling game for an upcoming bowling tournament. I need a lot of practice! I am also very active in my local church and am currently serving on several boards of trustees. 

What is your favorite avian species to work with? And do you have a favorite bird in general?

My favorite species to work with is a tough choice. Each bird, regardless of species, is an individual with its own specific personality. I enjoy getting to know the individual bird and figuring out how we can best work together. Some standout species I have had fun working with have been Harris’s Hawks, Eurasian Eagle Owls and Lanner Falcons. Of all the birds I have worked with, the species that has given me the most joy AND the greatest heartache has been the Red-tailed Hawk. 

What do you like about working with the ambassadors here at the Wildlife Medical Clinic? What are some projects you are currently working on?

I love working with ALL the ambassador animals at the Wildlife Clinic! I look forward to the time spent caring for them, observing their behaviors and researching ways to enhance their experience. We have been working with Ruby, resident Red-tailed Hawk ambassador, to fly on a creance (A creance is a long line that allows the bird to fly ‘free” in a controlled setting). Ruby loves playing the creance game and we hope to be able to reveal her flying skills to a wider audience soon.

We have also recently completed a renovation of an outdoor enclosure to a raptor safe free flight chamber. This enclosure will allow avian wildlife patients in recovery to build up their flight muscles before release back to the wild. We will also be using the creance with certain flighted patients as additional exercise to get them back into shape after their stay at the Wildlife Clinic. This is a new program to the Wildlife Clinic and I am extremely excited to be a part of it. 

What do you like the most about Falconry?

Falconer and WMC volunteer, Sarah Spang with her Gyrfalcon on the glove.

My favorite part about falconry is the ability to work with and form a relationship with a wild animal. This relationship is always temporary as their permanent place is in the wild. Once our journey together is finished, I get the privilege of releasing them back into the wild and treasure the memory of our time together. 

Written By: Sarah, volunteer and YiYing, co-chair and Class of 2026

Welcome Back to the New Academic Year!

Dr. Erica Bender and Tyson Jenkins, senior manager and student class of 2026 work to radiograph a Bald Eagle patient. The eagle is on its back and laying on the x-ray plate, with a tail guard over its tail. Tyson and Erica are positioning it for x-rays while wearing large raptor gloves to safely handle this patient.

As the summer draws to a close, we are overjoyed to welcome our talented students back to the clinic. The clinic has been working tirelessly to update and revamp our volunteer offerings by bringing in community members, expanding opportunities for students outside of the veterinary college, and improving the learning curriculum for veterinary students.

Students Take the Lead

Vet students and current Wildlife Medical Clinic Volunteers are providing medical care to a wildlife patients. The students are all wearing proper PPE (gloves and safety glasses) and the animals is covered in a towel on a exam table.

Over the summer, the WMC operates much like a standard wildlife rehabilitation center with a small, dedicated staff and rotating clinical year students. As we transition into the academic year, we return to our unique management style: students take the lead. Students are not just participants, they are integral to every aspect of the clinic, from novice volunteers to upper management. This approach allows students to maximize their learning opportunities and acquire a diverse set of skills beyond wildlife medicine. Even with students at the helm, there is a robust safety net and support system of talented veterinarians, guiding and assisting students every step of the way.

Team Leader Training

Close up head shot of an angry red tailed hawk. The hawk is looking forwards with its mouth open and tongue slightly extended.

As we kick off the semester, our student team leaders have been diligently training our new volunteers, ensuring they are prepared to handle their own patients and care for our diverse wildlife species. The clinic’s current functioning would not be possible without these dedicated team leaders. Their selfless commitment to improving the lives of the wildlife in our care and the learning experience of incoming students is truly commendable. During their new full-day training, team leaders worked together to set goals for themselves, their teams, and the clinic. They also defined what it means to be a team leader: support, compassion, education, teamwork, and growth. By embodying these five traits, team leaders continue to enrich the lives of WMC students and maintain the highest welfare standards for our wildlife patients.

New Orphan Feeding Team

A very young, sleepy, Virginia opossum is curled up in the hands of a volunteer (the volunteer is wearing blue nitrile gloves).

The advent of our new orphan feeding team opens new opportunities for community members and outside students to gain experience in wildlife rehabilitation and orphan care while bringing in more hands to assist with our busy caseload. Orphan care, while highly rewarding, can be time-consuming and overwhelming if there are not enough trained volunteers to help. Our caseload has increased year after year as word of our services has spread, creating a need for more volunteers. We aim to establish the orphan feeding team as a new local volunteering staple and bring the community to us to foster a love of wildlife.

Dedication to Wildlife

As we welcome the new academic year, we are thrilled to have our dedicated students back at the clinic, assuming crucial leadership roles and contributing to the welfare of our diverse wildlife species. The commitment of our team leaders and the establishment of the orphan feeding team underscore our unwavering dedication to providing unparalleled learning opportunities for students and maintaining the highest standards of care for our wildlife patients. We are excited to continue fostering a love of wildlife in our community and look forward to the positive impact our clinic will have in the coming year, as we remain steadfast in our commitment to wildlife care and community engagement.

Written By: Tyson, Senior Manager and Class of 2026

Welcome to our New House Officers

Site Header Image

House Officers and the Wildlife Medical Clinic

This year we have some new faces around the clinic as we welcome our new house officers! The house officers are a very important aspect of the Wildlife Medical Clinic because they are essential in helping with procedures, mentoring, and guiding our veterinary student volunteers as they provide medical care to our patients. We asked them each a few questions and are excited to share their answers with you!

Dr. Stephanie Elliott has a large smile on her face as she descends down a very rocky, steep incline.

Meet Dr. Stephanie Elliott!

Dr. Elliott is originally from Oroville in northern California, and she graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2023. Dr. Elliott is our newest Zoological Medicine Specialty Interns.

Question & Answer with Dr. Elliott

Why did you choose to come to UIUC Vet Med?

I am excited about this program because it is unique in that it combines rotations through wildlife medicine, zoo companion medicine, and traditional zoo medicine, all of which I enjoy and want to learn more about.

What are your career interests and aspirations?

I am pursuing traditional zoological medicine and am interested in everything! I haven’t narrowed it down quite yet, although I do enjoy neurology and ophthalmology.

What is your favorite wildlife species to work with?

My favorite species are box turtles!

What are you most looking forward to at the Wildlife Medical Clinic?

I am looking forward to learning more about quality wildlife medicine for all species, especially surgical techniques, and working with students throughout the year. She hopes to take the skills she learns with her to help any future animals/wildlife she works with!

Dr. Maya Iyer is photographed in front of an elephant exhibit at a zoo. There is an asian elephant standing on the other side of a fence behind her and another elephant in the distance.

Meet Dr. Maya Iyer!

Dr. Iyer is originally from Houston, Texas and is also a graduate of UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, class of 2022. Dr. Iyer is our first year IZAAR (Illinois Zoological & Aquatic Animal Residency) resident. She will spend her entire first year of her residency rotating through all the services in UIUC’s Zoological Medicine department, including the Wildlife Medical Clinic!

Question & Answer with Dr. Iyer

Why did you chose to come to UIUC Vet Med?

UIUC has a really strong program for zoo and aquatic animal medicine that gives residents a wide breadth of training, from wildlife to companion zoo species in an academic setting, to a traditional zoo and aquarium. I’m looking forward to getting experience in all these areas through my residency training.

What are your career interests and aspirations?

My goal is to become a board-certified specialist in zoological medicine, and I hope to work as a clinical veterinarian at a traditional zoo/aquarium after my residency. I would also love to use my clinical skills to help contribute to species conservation both locally and internationally someday!

What is your favorite wildlife species to work with?

I have a soft spot for chelonians (turtles and tortoises)!

What are you most looking forward to at the Wildlife Medical Clinic?

I’m most looking forward to being able to work alongside vet students at WMC – this is such a great learning opportunity for students, and I’m already so impressed with all the care and passion they put into their cases. I’m also new to Illinois so am looking forward to learning more about all the cool, local species that make Illinois their home!”

Image of Dr. Annie Le in a grassy/forested area with a trained adult Turkey Vulture on her left hand. She is wearing a falconry glove and the bird has falconry equipment on (anklets, jesses that are secured to the glove).

Meet Dr. Annie Le!

Dr. Le is originally from Leicester, Massachusetts and she attended veterinary school at the University of Missouri! She graduated with her DVM degree in 2023 and was also able to earn a master’s degree in public health. Dr. Le is our newest IZCAR (Illinois Zoo Companion Animal Resident).

Question & Answer with Dr. Le

Why did you choose to come to UIUC Vet Med?

I chose to attend UIUC as it is one of the few places that had a zoological companion animal focus program. I visited UIUC last year as part of my externship during my small animal rotating internship and enjoyed my time here. I also liked that there are so many ACZM diplomates that are part of the UIUC team that I can lean on for support.

What are your career interests and aspirations?

My ultimate career goal is to become ACZM boarded with a focus in Zoo Companion and be able to work in private practice or academia. There are not many schools with an exotics program, such as Missouri, so I would like to fill that gap and be able to share my knowledge and experience with inspiring ZCA vets. Eventually, I would love to go into consulting and be able to help private practitioners who are interested in seeing exotics in their practice feel more comfortable in doing so. I would love to eventually earn my wildlife rehabilitator license in whatever state I end up in, specifically for turtles and tortoises.

What is your favorite wildlife species?

Virginia opossums and turtles!

What are you looking forward to the most at the WMC?

I am looking forward to working with various wildlife species and thinking of different ways to manage them so that they are able to return back to their normal habitat in the wild. Oftentimes, their health issues arise from the impacts of human activities, so I feel like we should help them as much as we can. With wing trauma/fractures being prominent in birds that come to wildlife rehabbers, I would love to be able to gain experience in surgical repair. Same with shell repairs in turtles and tortoises.

Do you have anything else you would like to share with our readers?

I’ve been involved with wildlife rehabilitation since college with my first exposure being at Tufts Wildlife, which is where I fell in love with diamondback terrapins and other reptilian friends. During all four years of vet school, I was involved with the Missouri Raptor Rehab Project and have become comfortable working with birds of prey. Fun fact, I have a tattoo of a spotted turtle and an Eastern Screech Owl. The owl portrays the two education birds I worked with at both Tufts (Percy) and at Missouri (Agnes). I am also an avid cat lady with four cats (Greg, Walter, Eleanor, and Alfred) and love houseplants.

Written By: YiYing, class of 2026 and Rachel, Class of 2027.

Wetland Birds

A photo of a North American Wetland. Water towards the bottom of the image with lily pads present and then taller grass and shrubs towards the middle of the image. Nice blue sky with fluffy clouds takes up the top of the image.

North American Wetlands

North American wetlands are a sight to behold, with their crystal water reflecting the sun’s rays and the vibrant fish swimming beneath. The woven nests of pied-billed grebes, adorned with the leaves of lush cattails, deep blue wild iris, and brilliant yellow marsh marigolds, add to the beauty of these water-dominated landscapes. Despite their poor, oxygen-starved soils and highly variable conditions, these incredible ecosystems support more than 40% of the world’s biodiversity. Embark on a journey to explore the wetlands of North America, from the saltwater mangroves of the Gulf Coast to the interdunal wetlands of the Door Peninsula and witness the unique bird species that depend on them.

Gulf Coast Mangroves

We begin amongst the mangroves of the Gulf Coast. A mangrove is one of many species of trees specially adapted to live within coastal intertidal zones, the area between the lowest and highest tides. The intertidal zone can be covered in freshwater, saltwater, or a mix at any time. It can also be ten or more feet deep or completely dry, sometimes even on the same day. These drastic changes mean the mangroves provide stable shelter to numerous species wishing to call the coastal intertidal zone home.

Image of a Roseate Spoonbill (large pink bird wading in water with a whitish neck and head and tan spoon shaped beak that is as long as its neck. Below that on the left is it's common name (Roseate Spoonbill), scientific name (Platalea ajaja), conservation status (least concern), and preferred habitat (coastal forests and wetlands). To the right of that and below the spoonbill is an image of a mangrove island, surrounded by water.

One such species, the roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja), can be found along the coasts of Florida and Louisiana in the United States. Its range once stretched along the entire gulf but was decimated by feather hunters in the early 1900s. It has stunning plumage, with a bright pink body, brilliant red along its wings, and an orange tail. Its most striking feature, and the reason for its name, is its spoon-shaped bill. This bill allows it to feed via “tactolocation,” where it slowly walks through the water, swinging its head back and forth, mouth open until it feels its favorite food (typically small fish or invertebrates) and snatches it out of the water. Essential locations protect many roseate spoonbill breeding sites, including Everglades National Park, the Kennedy Space Center, and the Merritt I National Wildlife Refuge. However, coastal development remains a significant threat as the spoonbills must forage beyond their nesting sites. This can be seen in the Florida Keys, where large developments have removed the mangroves and physically pushed the spoonbills to forage in new locations. Coastal development has also directly resulted in decreased water quality that impacts the fish and invertebrates on which the spoonbills depend. It’s crucial to recognize the importance of conserving fragile mangrove habitats to safeguard diverse and unique species like the roseate spoonbill for the benefit of future generations.

Cache River Wetlands

Next, we will stop within the Cache River Wetlands, one of 41 North American sites recognized as internationally important by the International Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar). This area supports a network of cypress-tupelo swamps. These beautiful ecosystems bring alligators and mosquitos to mind rather than the corn and soybeans one typically pictures when thinking of Illinois.

Image of an American Woodcock. Bottom left has common name (American Woodcock), scientific name (Scolopax minor), conservation status (Least concern), and preferred habitat (damp forests with soil high in organic matter).

Along the edges of these swamps, where murky water gives way to rich, damp, worm-filled soils, lives one of North America’s strangest birds: the American woodcock (Scolopax minor). A member of the sandpiper family, this bird frequents swamp edges, damp forests, and other locations with soft soils perfect for digging up their favorite food: earthworms. Their long, think beaks pierce through the soil, probing for worms. Their tilted eyes, located so far back on their head that they are behind their ears, allow them to see the sky even when their beak is buried in the ground. Adding to their uniqueness is their buzzing call, described as “bzeep”, which can be heard emanating from the darkness of night as they perform their courtship rituals. All these traits have spurred the creation of a colorful host of names, including bog sucker, night partridge, and timberdoodle.

Great Lakes

Farther north, we can find the Great Lakes, one of Earth’s most incredible freshwater ecosystems. These lakes make up 1/5 of Earth’s freshwater and hold more than six quadrillion gallons. Tucked along the western edge of Lake Michigan sits the coastal wetlands of the Door Peninsula, another Ramsar recognized location. These wetlands, called interdunal wetlands or dune slacks, are some of the most unique wetlands in the world. Coastal dune systems are shifting ecosystems defined by the movements of wind and water. Interdunal wetlands are created when strong coastal winds carve out sand to a point below the water table, allowing water to well up to the surface. Much like the dunes that surround them, interdunal wetlands change from day to day, decade to decade, and century to century as the dunes cover them, only to reveal them again in the future.

Image of an Osprey in flight. Wings are raised up and then go out to the side in each direction with legs hanging below the bird and talons open, ready to grab a fish. Bottom left has common name (osprey), scientific name (pandion haliaetus), conservation status (least concern), and preferred habitat (adaptable-prefer areas with open nest sites and shallow waters with available fish). Bottom right has a large sandy landscape with a wetland in the middle of it.

This pristine ecosystem provides the perfect habitat for the osprey, a widely admired raptor whose diet consists mainly of fish. Osprey populations rapidly declined from the 1950s through the 1970s due to the widespread use of the chemical pesticide DDT, which caused the thinning and weakening of bird eggshells. Studies of osprey provided the crucial evidence needed to enact bans against DDT, allowing bird populations across the country to begin to recover. More recently, habitat and nesting-site loss have impeded the osprey’s recovery, but the increasing popularity of artificial nesting platforms and the osprey’s preference for these platforms over other natural sites has allowed them to thrive once again.

Conserve Wetlands

From the mangroves of the Gulf Coast to the cypress-tupelo swamps of the Cache River Wetlands and the interdunal wetlands of the Door Peninsula, North America’s wetlands offer a diverse array of habitats for unique bird species. These wetlands not only provide a home for these remarkable bird species but also contribute to the rich biodiversity of North America’s landscapes, making their conservation imperative for generations to come.

Written By: Tyson, Senior Manager and Class of 2026.

Volunteer Opportunities in the Wildlife Medical Clinic

Two vet students examine a box turtle. One is gently holding the turtle with its head extended and the other is placing a tube in its mouth.

Who are we? What do we do?

Logo of the Wildlife Medical Clinic. It is an orange open circle with a blue outline and a generic blue colored owl in the center with orange outlined eyes, eyebrows, and beak. Bottom of the circle has lettering saying Wildlife Medical Clinic.

We are the Wildlife Medical Clinic and it is our mission to provide care and treatment to sick, injured and orphaned wild animals, offer hands-on training to veterinary students, and educate members of our community about coexisting with native wildlife. We see around 2,000 patients per year and close to 115 species. Some of the most common species we see are squirrels, rabbits, opossums, raccoons, songbirds, raptors, waterfowl, and turtles.

Overview of Volunteer Opportunities

  • Orphan Feeding Team – Open to all applicants, but volunteer positions are limited. To apply, fill out the google form, submit a resume/cv to the WMC co-chairs, and send proof of rabies vaccination to Dr. Stephany Lewis.
  • Ambassador Team – Open to all applicants, must have prior animal handling or animal care experience. To apply, complete the google form, submit a resume/cv and letter of intent to Sydney Oliveira.
  • Transport Team – Open to all applicants. To apply, fill out the google form.
  • Wildlife Medical Clinic Student Internship Program – Student only. To apply, complete the google form, submit a resume/cv, letter of intent to the WMC co-chairs and proof of rabies vaccination to Dr. Lewis.

Orphan Feeding Team Requirements/Commitment

Junior student manager feeding a baby squirrel with a small syringe.
  • Requirements/Commitment:
    • Must be at least 18 years of age to volunteer. Volunteers are prohibited from performing medical procedures and handling of adult, sensitive, or potentially dangerous patients.
    • Rabies vaccination (First vaccine must be completed by date you start volunteering).
    • 2 shifts per week during the academic year.
    • 4 shifts per week during the summer.
    • Must commit to at least 1 session.
      • Fall Semester: September-October (deadline to apply September 1)
      • Spring Semester: March-May (deadline to apply February 1)
      • Summer Semester: May-August (deadline to apply April 1)
  • Responsibilities:
    • Feeding orphaned wildlife.
    • Routine cleaning around the clinic.
    • Additional tasks as needed.

Ambassador Team

Two volunteers talk to a group of people about our ambassador animals. One volunteer has an American Kestrel on the glove in her outdoor enclosure and another student stands out in front of the enclosure. The student in the enclosure is talking to the group.
  • Requirements/Commitment:
    • Shifts:
      • 1 care shift per week (~1-3 hours).
      • 1 enrichment shift per week (~30-60 minutes).
      • 1 PR event per semester (education outreach program with our ambassador animals).
      • Must commit to either of the following:
        • Academic Year (Fall and Spring Semesters, August to May).
        • Entire Year (August to August).
    • DO NOT need the rabies vaccination.
  • Responsibilities:
    • Providing daily husbandry that includes feeding and enriching the ambassador animals.
    • Routine cleaning of the ambassador building and associated enclosures.
    • Assisting with educational opportunities to the public.

Student Internship Program

Group of students are circled around watching a student intubated a large red eared slider, while another student keeps the turtles neck extended.
  • Requirements/Commitment:
    • Must be a University of Illinois or Parkland student.
    • Rabies vaccine (First vaccine must be completed by start of first shift).
    • Able to commit for the entire academic year (Fall and Spring semester).
    • Interview required.
  • Responsibilities:
    • Triage exams for incoming wildlife patients.
    • Designing and executing treatment plans alongside other students, house officers, and faculty.
    • Routine cleaning around the clinic.
    • Additional tasks as needed.

Transport Team

Two white tailed deer fawns are pictured in a soft kennel. One fawn is standing and the other is sitting underneath the one standing.
  • Requirements:
    • Must own a personal vehicle.
    • Willing to travel 1-4 hours away from the Wildlife Medical Clinic.
    • Will not be reimbursed for gas or mileage on your vehicle, this is strictly done on a volunteer basis.
    • DO NOT need the rabies vaccination.
  • Responsibilities:
    • Provide safe transport of wildlife patients to licensed rehabilitators or other wildlife centers, as needed.

Wildlife Medical Clinic Leadership Info

Q & A from our August 1, Zoom Meeting

  • When are applications due?
    • Fall – September 1
    • Spring – February 1
    • Summer – April 1
  • How many spots available for internships?
    • 12 spots available. We have 6 teams and 2 spots per team. Can volunteer for both clinic and ambassador but letter of intent is needed for ambassador program. Please send different letters of intent for each program you are interested in.
    • 2 shifts per week include weekend days as well. Schedule rotates so not always sure what day you are on until schedule is set. There are several shifts available per days.
  • How do I apply?
    • Fill out the google form. Then send additional material (resume/letter or intent) to the email associated with the team you are applying for.
  • What is a letter of intent?
    • Basically, a cover letter. States why you want to join our program.
  • Do previous volunteers have to send resume and letter of intent again?
    • No, just let managers know you are interested and fill out the google form.
  • How soon will I be contacted after application period closes?
    • Usually within 1 week of it closing, we will schedule interviews. Transport team – no deadline.
  • How do we sign up for a shift once we join?
    • We usually have a google calendar for shift sign up. This may change but it will be some sort of shared electronic document that the whole team has access to.
  • Can you provide more information on the shifts?
    • There are 3 shift times available, and each shift is a 2-3 hour commitment. You sign up based on your availability. Shifts are also based on patient load so may adjust accordingly.
    • Shifts are: 8-11 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and 5-9 p.m. (This is slightly longer as most, if not all, the orphans are fed during this shift).
  • For the Ambassador Program, is it possible to just volunteer on the weekends?
    • Depends on the team’s schedule. If conflict occurs, schedule may need adjusted. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. 
  • How do we train ambassador volunteers?
    • Usually, one on one or in small groups or pairs. You will not complete a shift on your own until you and your trainer are comfortable. We will make sure you get the training you need.
  • If I can’t make a shift, who do I notify?
    • Orphan team – Contact managers and others you are on shift with.
    • Internship team – Contact team leaders first and managers if team leaders not available.
    • Ambassador team – Contact WACC’s and then managers.
    • You are humans first, students second, and volunteers third. School comes before volunteering. If conflicts arise, please just give us as much advanced notice as possible.
  • Where would non-students get vaccinated for rabies and what is the cost?
    • Check with local hospitals as some carry this vaccination. Most places with a travel clinic carry this vaccination. Walgreens and McKinley Health Center also carry this vaccination.
    • Cost will vary depending on clinic and your insurance.
  • More questions?

To Help or Not to Help

Dr. Ready and former student Manager, Chloe examining a screech owl patient in the treatment room at the Wildlife Medical Clinic.

Steps to take if you are concerned about wildlife.

At the Wildlife Medical Clinic, we frequently get calls and emails asking how to help the amazing wildlife in our community. Thank you for caring; we couldn’t do this without you!  If you are concerned about an animal that you saw but aren’t sure what you should do, here are some steps you can take!

Is the animal actually sick or injured?

Generally, wild animals should be scared of humans, so they will normally want to keep their distance or run away if humans are nearby. If an adult animal doesn’t want to escape and hide when you approach it, this is NOT normal behavior. In animals, an observation of a behavior change is often one of the first signs (besides unwillingness to eat), that an animal isn’t feeling well. This animal may be sick or injured and should therefore be brought to us if you are able to do so!

Additionally, physical injuries are quite common in wildlife. A bird striking a window or a squirrel getting hit by a car will likely have serious injuries that require medical attention to ensure survival.

If you can, safely pick up the animal with a blanket (always wear gloves if you have them), put it in a box, and bring it to us!

Is the baby REALLY an orphan?

Just because a baby animal is found alone doesn’t mean it is an orphan. Some animals, such as birds, will be close by but not right near their young. Also, when these youngsters leave their nest, they are not great at flying and may look injured because you only see them hopping on the ground. If you observe them from a distance, you will usually see mom and dad feeding them and in a couple days, they should be better at flying and will be on their way.

Then, some wild animal moms, like rabbits for example, only return to their babies twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Therefore, if you disturb a bunny nest while mowing the lawn, and see no mom nearby, it is likely the mom is just out looking for food. It is important to note that since rabbits are scared of humans and view us as threats, you must not hover around the nest or the mom will not want to return. However, if you would like to double check to ensure that the mom has returned later on, lay some leaves and sticks over the den and return into your house. The next morning, check the den; the leaves and sticks will have moved if the mom returned that night.

If the babies are indeed orphans, you can find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator near you. You can also bring them to us if a rehabilitator can’t be found or if you are concerned that the baby may be in need of medical treatment.

If in doubt, call us!

If you have questions or concerns, our volunteers are always more than happy to talk to you! Our contact information is wmcchair@vetmed.illinois.edu or 217-244-1195.

Written By: Aimee, Class of 2025

Wildlife Medical Clinic
John A. Coyne South Clinic
2100 South Goodwin Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801
217-244-1195
College of Veterinary Medicine