Advertise on podcast: Wildlife Rehabilitation: From Rescue to Release

In the second part of this conversation, we speak with Dianne Odegard and Lee Mackenzie, the founders of Austin Bat Refuge. We add to our previous episode by doing a deep dive on the Eastern Red Bat, specifically, orphan babies. Special thanks to our guests, Partners For Wildlife, and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Resources mentioned: Austin Bat Refuge The Rehabilitation and Captive Care of Insectivorous Bats

In the first part of this two-parter, we speak with Dianne Odegard and Lee Mackenzie, the founders of Austin Bat Refuge. We hear recent rescue stories, and learn about radar projects, Free-tailed bats, and how Austin became known as “bat city”.  Special thanks to our guests, Partners For Wildlife, and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Resources mentioned: Austin Bat Refuge

In the second part of our conversation with Amanda Nicholson, Senior Vice President of the Wildlife Center of Virginia, and Dr. Karra Pierce, Director of Veterinary Services at the Wildlife Center of Virginia, we discuss the offerings (books, courses, and beyond) through the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA) and how you can get involved from becoming a member to joining a committee and even the board.  NWRA’s 2026 Symposium takes place February 24–28 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. To learn more about the symposium, please see the links below.  Special thanks to our guests, Partners For Wildlife, and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Resources mentioned: NWRA's 2026 Symposium NWRA website

We welcome Amanda Nicholson, Senior Vice President of the Wildlife Center of Virginia, and Dr. Karra Pierce, Director of Veterinary Services at the Wildlife Center of Virginia, to the podcast to chat about the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA). In the first of our two-part conversation, we discuss NWRA’s annual symposium, exploring what it takes to bring it to life and offering advice for first-time attendees. In part two, we dive into the other resources NWRA offers.  NWRA’s 2026 Symposium takes place February 24–28 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. To learn more about the symposium, please see the links below.  Special thanks to our guests, Partners For Wildlife, and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Resources mentioned: NWRA's 2026 Symposium NWRA website

In the second part of our conversation with Kai Williams, the Executive Director of the IWRC, we dive into the classes offered, how they are helping folks outside of North America with wildlife rehabilitation, and the organization’s future. Be sure to keep an eye out for the organization’s upcoming publication on nutrition!  Special thanks to our guest, Partners For Wildlife, and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Resources mentioned: IWRC courses Become an IWRC member About WRKE WRKE new user registration form

We speak with Kai Williams, the Executive Director of the IWRC, about the organization’s mission, value statements, structure, and touch on the resources they provide. In part two, we discuss the classes offered and how the organization is helping folks outside of North America with wildlife rehabilitation.  Special thanks to our guest, Partners For Wildlife, and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Resources mentioned: IWRC

We continue our discussion with Minnesota wildlife rehabilitator Jessika Madison-Kennedy on Northern Cardinals. We go into rehabilitation techniques and pro tips from shelter, diet, and how to tell when they’re ready for release. Special thanks to Partners For Wildlife and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Resources mentioned: Hand‐Rearing Birds (Second Edition) Editor(s): Rebecca S. Duerr, Laurie J. Gage  Passerine Fundamentals by Veronica Bowers Songbird Diet Index by Marcy Rule

We’re kicking off Season 5 with Minnesota wildlife rehabilitator Jessika Madison-Kennedy to talk all things Northern Cardinals. We cover everything from their natural history to the rehabilitation techniques that help these iconic birds thrive. Special thanks to Partners For Wildlife and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Resources mentioned: Hand‐Rearing Birds (Second Edition) Edited by Rebecca S. Duerr, Laurie J. Gage  Passerine Fundamentals Written by Veronica Bowers

In the second part of a two-part conversation, we dive into operant learning, definitions, and concepts related to working with ambassador animals with Melissa Moore, the Curator of Behavioral Husbandry and Ambassador Animals at the St. Louis Aquarium, and Jackie Kozlowski, the Senior Trainer at Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City. Special thanks to Partners For Wildlife and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Resources mentioned: Dr. Susan G. Friedman – Behavior Works NWRA – Education and Programs IAATE – Conferences Ken Ramirez – Clicker Training Natural Encounters Barbara Heidenreich – Force Free Animal Training Cassie Malina – Awesome Animal Solutions ABMA 

In the first part of a two-part conversation, we discuss the significance of ambassador animals with Melissa Moore, the Curator of Behavioral Husbandry and Ambassador Animals at the St. Louis Aquarium, and Jackie Kozlowski, the Senior Trainer at Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City. Special thanks to Partners For Wildlife and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.

In this episode, we continue our discussion on Eastern Box Turtles with Debbie Sykes, the Director of Nashville Wildlife Conservation. We explore common injuries, care processes, behaviors, and criteria for release. Special thanks to Partners For Wildlife and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Links to referenced presentations:  NWRA Presentation: Soft Release of Rehabilitated Eastern Box Turtles: Maximizing Health & Territory – NWCC Debbie Sykes: Eastern Box Turtle Patient’s Needs  – NWCC

Partners for Wildlife welcomes Debbie Sykes, the Director of Nashville Wildlife Conservation, to the show! In this two-part conversation, we dive into natural history, common injuries, and care of Eastern Box Turtles. Did you know they’re born the size of a raspberry? We didn’t! Special thanks to Partners For Wildlife and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Links to referenced presentations:  NWRA Presentation: Soft Release of Rehabilitated Eastern Box Turtles: Maximizing Health & Territory – NWCC Debbie Sykes: Eastern Box Turtle Patient’s Needs  – NWCC

We continue our conversation with Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research's Clinic Director, Andrea Howey-Newcomb, along with Marian Quinn, the Clinic Outreach and Oil Programs Core Team Volunteer, and Maryanne Yingst, the Volunteer Coordinator and Downstate Delaware Field Response. In this episode, the Tri-State team discusses how adult learning theories have shaped the S.A.F.E.T.Y. Method. They highlight inspiring collaborations with other local rescue organizations and share valuable insights and strategies for expanding training programs and engaging volunteers! Special thanks to Partners For Wildlife and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Links: Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research Malcolm Knowles’ Adult Learning Theory

Partners for Wildlife is thrilled to welcome Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research's Clinic Director, Andrea Howey-Newcomb, along with Marian Quinn, the Clinic Outreach and Oil Programs Core Team Volunteer, and Maryanne Yingst, the Volunteer Coordinator and Downstate Delaware Field Response. In this two-part discussion, our guests and host, Gail Buhl, dive into the system Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research developed for training volunteers to rescue and transport birds. We discuss the origins of The S.A.F.E.T.Y. System, its meaning, how it is used, and its evolution.  Special thanks to Partners For Wildlife and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Links: Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research

Partners for Wildlife is excited to continue our conversation with Brittany Turner, the Rehabilitation Director of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota. In the second half of their two-part conversation, Turner and host Gail Buhl talk about baby pigeons and doves, providing tips and tricks for their care based on their natural history! Special thanks to Partners For Wildlife and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Links: NWRA Standards Book Oxbow Carnivore Care RoudyBush Formula 3 for Granivores National Pigeon Association We’ll be sharing additional resources called out in the show shortly. Stay tuned!