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Wildlife rehabilitation, in one form or another, has existed
for many years in the United States. Organized wildlife care
programs originated as an outgrowth of nature centers, zoos
and museums as a response to public concern for injured wildlife.
The field of wildlife rehabilitation experienced rapid growth
beginning in the early 1970's as the nation became more environmentally
aware of the importance of preserving natural resources. Various
oil spills triggered large scale attempts to save thousands
of oiled water birds and helped raise the consciousness of both
industry and government to the problems at hand. Programs began
to be organized to deal with the impacts of urban man on native
wildlife. Most of these efforts were accomplished with little
funds, volunteer assistance, without government support and
with pre-existing facilities.
At
the beginning of the 1980's, funding support for these endeavors
came mainly from private sources and in a small part, from government
funding. Established organizations have developed fundraising
abilities and enjoyed the support of the public. There is an
increase in the development of entirely new wildlife care facilities
to replace the makeshift facilities used in the 1970's.
Concurrent
with these growth trends in the field, the National Wildlife
Rehabilitators Association and the International Wildlife Rehabilitation
Council have seen a need to establish basic minimum standards
for both the individual rehabilitator and the organization.
Each
state has its own requirements for rehabilitation programs.
Staff from the State of Virginia Department of Game and Inland
Fisheries monitors any rehabilitation program involving native
wildlife. Those who achieve accreditation as a licensed rehabilitator
have been certified by the Department and have met State standards.
Wildlife
rehabilitation is defined as the practice of assisting injured,
orphaned and diseased or displaced wildlife with the purpose
of enabling them to be returned to their natural habitat.
Should
you find an orphaned or injured animal, please call 441-5227
or 441-5240. Our animal services staff will gladly provide you
with a network of resources to assist you. The Virginia Zoo's
rehabilitation program is an important part of our commitment
to conservation, research and education.
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