Tag: National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association

Congratulations to NWRA on putting on a huge successful symposium. It never ceases to amaze me how much work, time and effort goes into these symposiums. So, thank you NWRA for a job well done!

At first when NWRA mentioned Norman, Oklahoma for the symposium I was like, really? Where on earth is that? To my surprise by the end of the week it seemed like a perfect place.

Thanks to my co-exhibitor Marie Travers who manned the both with me, I was allowed to escape for a few hours… Sooo, I visited Wildcare Foundation, who just happen to use WRMD,  and I was in complete awe of their facility and their staff. Rondi Large, the founder reminded me so much of the few amazing pioneers out there that started something from scratch, in their home and have dedicated their entire life to the cause. It takes a strong person, supportive staff/volunteers and community to last over 30 years (with tornados!) with a large, full on center running out of their home. My deepest respect to that wonderful organization for the work they do and, if you were at the symposium the stunning singing and acting talent displayed by their staff!!! (You had to be there)

While at our exhibitor table we had the opportunity to talk to many rehabilitators. Several already used WRMD and I finally got to meet them face to face. A few that I have been communicating with regularly and I was so happy to finally put a face to the names. I also met several who had heard of WRMD and wanted to talk about switching over and were very happy to sit down and talk about it a little more. Last but not least are those who have never heard of us and when I give my little intro, they are like “You do what! and it’s free!” and then of course “Why do you do this, for free!?” with a hidden under the breath “what is wrong with them…” As I tell them in some explanation similar to the statement below.

“We are wildlife rehabilitators, too. We do this because we care, and this is how we contribute to the cause. What wildlife rehabilitators do is so important and our community does not get enough recognition for the sacrifices we all make. We are here as support for all wildlife rehabilitators, so that our collective knowledge is recorded and not lost on the dead trees we write it on. And yes, we are a little crazy as well…”

We are only here to help, we have no personal gains in what we do other then the knowledge that we can support one of the most compassionate, humble, dedicated group of people who can talk about intestinal parasites and poop at the dinner table without a seconds hesitation. We are all in this together and we all need to support one another for our mutual cause, no matter our histories. We do it for them, and should strive to do it the absolute best way we can by constantly learning and sharing new knowledge of better techniques, diets,  husbandry,  cage design, medical procedures, etc. We can not do it how we always have done it, because what if this new way is better from them. That is what symposiums do for us, they connect us so that we can share our knowledge and experiences. WRMD’s Mission “Sharing our experience to save more lives” It’s that simply put. It is for them, the helpless, speechless and vulnerable lives that share our world because, we all know there is no other reason we would do it…

-Rachel Avilla
Wildlife Rehabilitation MD Founder

New Jersey is a long way from home for the WRMD team, but we felt right at home at the 2015 NWRA symposium. It is such a wonderful experience to meet the people that we have been communicating with for years. It never ceases to amaze us just what a wonderful group of people wildlife rehabilitators are, we are unique in our self-less profession of intense caring. Being surround by like minded people reminds us that we are not alone. There are thousands of other people out there just like you, trying to make a difference in the world.

Every year we try and have a vendor booth so that we can talk to people one on one about how they are recording their records now and what their plans are for the future. We want to be as available as possible to the rehab community. We want to help rehabilitators streamline their data collection so that it is not a burden, but a tremendous asset. If we can collect data and discover trends, our community can become a powerful voice for protection and conservation of the environment. After all, if we can’t protect animals outside of our facilities, why are we caring for them inside the facilities? It is a difficult question, but a necessary one.

In the nature of sharing and corroboration, it doesn’t matter which system people choose, as long as they are using one that works best for them . Together we can unite and see the bigger picture. In order to do this, we need everybody’s help. Transition is not easy, but wildlife rehabilitation has to evolve along with the world around us and our personal goal is to make that transition as painless as possible.

Attached is the template for a letter regarding Wildlife Rehabilitation MD which you may be able to use to enlist outside support, to aid you in adoption of Wildlife Rehabilitation MD, staff training in its use, and maximizing the database’s potential to help expand your efforts. We are available to collaborate with you on seeking funding.

Download a Fundraising Template Letter for Your Organization to Use.

Also, at the upcoming March NWRA symposium in Tennessee, we will have a booth and we’re looking forward to meeting with as many of you as possible, either at our booth or at any time during the conference. Please come find us we would love to say hi and answer any questions you have!