The CVM Staff Council is pleased to highlight the Wildlife Health Center (WHC) in the February 2019 edition of CVM eNews. The WHC, located on Hungerford Hill Rd., is a self-sufficient hospital, dedicated to providing exceptional veterinary care for native wild animals.

Recently, the WHC staff took a few minutes out of their busy day to talk to the CVM Staff Council about the work they do.

Staff Council: How many staff work at the WHC, and what roles do staff play?

WHC: In addition to faculty, three house officers and three rotating zoo and exotics faculty, the WHC employees three licensed Veterinary Technicians with a range of background experiences with wildlife and exotic species. The WHC also employees several Veterinary Student Technicians, and has a robust Student Volunteer program. The staff have to be Jacks-of-all-trades to keep the Center running smoothly. On a daily basis staff monitor and provide treatment for patients of diverse species, prepare patients and equipment for surgical procedures, assist with surgeries, take radiographs, and maintain the facility. The staff also trains student technicians and volunteers and interacts with the public by answering phone calls, admitting animals and providing referrals.

Staff Council: How does one become a Wildlife Veterinary Technician?

WHC: You have to complete a two-year Veterinary Technician certification program, but the rest is on-the-job training. We all have the desire to work with a diverse variety of animals and to treat animals that would not otherwise be cared for.

Staff Council: What types of animals can be helped at the WHC?

WHC: Most of our patients are native wild animals that are ill or orphaned, and brought in by members of the public (finders). We also take animals from local, licensed wildlife rehabilitators. Seventy percent of our patients are birds of all species, from hummingbirds to eagles. In the winter we tend to see predominantly raptors, while in the spring and summer we admit more songbirds. From May to October we are also busy with mammals such as squirrels, rabbits, groundhogs, beaver, coyotes, foxes, porcupines, and even the occasional bobcat. Two percent of our patients are reptiles and amphibians. Currently there are ducks, turtles, owls and hawks in the hospital. We do not turn any animal away unless we are not permitted to treat them. Once we even treated a butterfly!

Staff Council: Which animals are you not permitted to treat?

WHC: We do not accept rabies vector species; raccoons, skunks, or bats. We also don’t treat owned, captive wildlife, with the exception of animals from USDA-permitted rehabilitators who have permanently captive wildlife for educational purposes. We don’t treat adult deer or adult bear either.  We have referral protocols for the species we can’t treat, so please contact us if you need guidance.

Staff Council: What happens to the animals when they are finished with treatment?

WHC: Most patients are transferred to licensed wildlife rehabilitators to make sure they are healthy and strong. When they are, they are released if possible.

Staff Council: What is the most difficult part of your job?

WHC: The hardest part of the job is handling animals that are injured due to human carelessness or lack of education. We have seen waterfowl that have been trapped in fishing line, animals that have been purposefully abused (fortunately, this is very rare) and animals caught by domestic cats. While cases such as these are difficult, they provide us with the opportunity to discuss wildlife issues with finders and educate them.

Staff Council: What is the best part of your job?

WHC: The best part of the job is treating animals that would have died without our support, allowing them to recover and be released. We like knowing we make a difference for patients that otherwise would not be cared for. It is particularly gratifying to see an injured animal that is uncomfortable and has no interest in food, heal and develop an appetite while in our care.  Interacting with the finders who bring injured animals to us is important as well. Their trust in us, and appreciation for our work is rewarding. We also enjoy teaching the veterinary students and veterinary technician students that volunteer. To see the students develop in their skills and knowledge in wildlife medicine due to the time they have spent at the center is invaluable.

Staff Council: What would you like people to know about the Wildlife Health Center?

WHC:  If you have a question or an injured animal to bring in, please call 607-253-3060. The center, which is located at 131 Swanson Drive, off of Hungerford Hill Road is open 8am-5pm, Monday- Friday.  The staff is also on call after hours and on weekends to answer questions and receive animals. If you need assistance after hours, please call 253-3060.

Staff Council: Thank you, Wildlife Health Center Team, for being our CVM Staff Council’s February Spotlight! We enjoyed speaking with you and learning what you do. To learn more about the Wildlife Health Center, please go to their website https://www.vet.cornell.edu/hospitals/janet-l-swanson-wildlife-health-center 

Next month, the Spotlight will be on the Biobank. Have ideas or suggestions for an upcoming Spotlight? Email us at cvmstaffcouncil@cornell.edu!