Jessica R.

I got into wildlife rehabilitation through a lifelong love of animals and a dream of becoming a zookeeper. That path shifted when I began an internship at the wildlife center where I now work. Through hands-on experience caring for injured and orphaned native wildlife, I discovered how meaningful and impactful rehabilitation work is at the individual animal level. Helping vulnerable animals recover and return to the wild showed me exactly where I was meant to be, and I’ve been dedicated to wildlife rehab ever since.

I’ve always been the kind of person who stops for wildlife, whether that’s helping a turtle across the road or answering late-night calls about orphaned babies. I have a biology background and hands-on experience in both zoo and wildlife rehabilitation settings, and I’m now a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Some of my most meaningful work happens behind the scenes: late-night feedings, careful monitoring, and giving fragile animals a second chance to grow strong enough to return to the wild. I believe every small life matters, and I’m grateful for the chance to be part of their story, and for the community that helps make that care possible.