Abstract
The primary goal of a wildlife rehabilitation (WR) program is the release of injured animals back into the wild. Other important aspects of a WR program must be appreciated. These include advancement of medical knowledge, research, education, and conservation. Birds from a rehabilitation program may provide unique opportunities to learn about surgical techniques, medical treatments, management aspects, nutritional needs, or captive breeding and reintroduction programs as well as the functioning of a healthy environment. Wildlife rehabilitation may be incorporated into educational programs to teach the general public about the value of wildlife and the concepts of interdependence of all life forms. Therefore, the veterinarian (rehabilitator) who participates in WR with a focus on individual animals may also contribute to knowledge which may ultimately benefit whole populations and ensure preservation of a rich and diverse environment.
