Wildlife Rehabilitation: From Rescue to Release

This is part two of our conversation with Cindy Daily, Ryan Law, and Jessika Madison-Kennedy about how we connect with the people who bring us injured animals. We share our experiences and lessons learned about meeting Finders where they are, building trust, and turning these moments into opportunities to help people feel more connected to the natural world.Special thanks to our guests, Partners For Wildlife, and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.

The first two episodes of our sixth season are about how we connect with the people who bring us injured animals. We discuss how we can use empathy, patience, and intention not only to help the person in the moment but to foster a lifelong interest in the Finder toward the natural world. I really like this relatively easy way to remind myself of how to approach people in and out of the wildlife rehabilitation realm. The Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing developed P.I.C.K. So take a deep breath, let it out, and remember:P = Patience. There is someone on the other sideI = Intention. Think about what you want to say and the outcome you want your message to haveC = Clarity. Mindfulness regarding how you communicate and to be concise yet clearK = Kindness. In a world where you can be anything, choose to be kindSpecial thanks to our guests, Partners For Wildlife, and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.Resources mentioned:Previous episode with Partners for Wildlife’s Chad Caruthers

We close out our fifth season with the second part of our discussion with Dr. Julia Ponder, the Director Emeritus of The Raptor Center, on lead toxicity in bald eagles. Join us in taking a close look at the treatment and care of bald eagles with lead exposure and the changes that can be made for a lead-free future.Special thanks to our guests, Partners For Wildlife, and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.Resources mentioned:Sporting Lead-FreeNorth American Lead-free Partnership Eagles and Lead - SOARRaptorsLead Toxicity in Bald Eagles _American Eagle FdnBullet Fragmentation and Lead Deposition in White-Tailed Deer and Domestic SheepEffects of lead from ammunition on birds and other wildlife: A review and updateLead from Spent Ammunition: a Source of Exposure and Poisoning in Bald Eagles

We welcome Dr. Julia Ponder, the Director Emeritus of The Raptor Center, back to the show to discuss lead toxicity, particularly in bald eagles. In this episode, we explore the differences between acute and chronic toxicity, the range of clinical signs associated with each, methods used to diagnose, ongoing education and outreach efforts, and common sources of exposure. In part two, we’ll take a closer look at treatment and care.Special thanks to our guests, Partners For Wildlife, and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.Resources mentioned:Demographic implications of lead poisoning for eagles across North AmericaThe Raptor Center Research on Lead ToxicitySporting Lead FreeUSFWS lead free initiativeLead Free PartnershipGo Lead Free for WildlifeExamining the effect of the Hunter's Choice: Alternative Ammunition project on Minnesota deer hunters' knowledge, attitudes, behavioral intentions, and behaviors regarding lead ammunition

In this episode, we’re joined by Scott Diehl, Director Emeritus at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center with the Wisconsin Humane Society. We discuss methods and programs implemented at the Wildlife Center to keep wildlife in our communities safe, helping to prevent unnecessary fear, injuries, illness, and even death, so that fewer animals end up needing rehabilitation. Special thanks to our guests, Partners For Wildlife, and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.Resources mentioned:Wildlife Rehabilitation Center - Wisconsin Humane Society