We can all agree that our wildlife patients are beautiful, interesting, and yes, sometimes incredibly adorable. Many (let’s be honest, all) of our patients are just the cutest! While everyone has the desire to cuddle with wildlife at one point or another, we have to remind ourselves of the many reasons why that is a dangerous action to take. One of our recent admitted patients, a lively Canada goose, is a prime example of why proper safety precautions are so important.
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- Often the patients at the Wildlife Medical Clinic present to us in a cardboard box. While not as sturdy as a plastic carrier, this is often the safest and most effective transport box readily available and typically gets the job done!
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- Transporting a wild animal in a plastic carrier protects the handler while minimizing stress and handling of the patient.
The Canada goose is what some may call a frequent flyer in our clinic. We received 60 goose patients in 2018 alone! This week, we acquired a goose with nondescript signs of an unknown illness. Like any budding veterinarians would do, the team elected to look through it’s poop for any clues. Continue reading
![[baby opossums]](https://vetmed.illinois.edu/wildlife/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2019/11/pile-of-opossums.jpg)
Injured wildlife have complex needs and often require several weeks of care. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators utilize their extensive knowledge, training, and experience to ensure these animals can go back to the wild and fulfill their role in the ecosystem. The Wildlife Medical Clinic (WMC) provides medical care to approximately 2,000 patients each year, representing more than 100 different species. Once the animal is medically cleared, we partner with wildlife rehabilitators to transition this animal back to the wild and optimize its chances for success thereafter. Some of our youngest patients present as healthy orphans, requiring assisted feedings, a warm safe environment, and a chance to learn their natural behaviors. Our partnership with licensed wildlife rehabilitators is most evident in these cases, as they are best able to provide a place for care and an eventual transition to the wild as the animal grows. 