About Us
Our History
WWRA was originally organized by eight licensed wildlife rehabilitators in the late 1980s to serve as a means to support and assist Wisconsin wildlife and Wisconsin rehabilitators. On October 21, 1991, WWRA filed for and received the Articles of Incorporation granting 501(c)3 status as a nonprofit organization.
For the past 30+ years WWRA has organized annual conferences and sent out newsletters to the membership on a regular basis to educate, inform, and facilitate networking among the members. WWRA has worked in collaboration with the Minnesota and Iowa state rehabilitation organizations to offer a collaborative tri-state conference and multiple wildlife rehabilitation education and training opportunities.
Photo Credit: Wildlife in Need Center
Our Mission
To empower and support Wisconsin's wildlife rehabilitators, aspiring practitioners, volunteers, veterinarians, and enthusiasts by fostering a community dedicated to the ethical care, conservation, and advocacy of the state's diverse wildlife.
Our Vision
We envision a Wisconsin where injured or orphaned animals receive expert care and support throughout each region, and every wildlife worker has access to professional education, resources, and support to implement best practice management strategies that achieve the most humane and successful outcomes.
Photo Credit: Wildlife in Need Center
Photo Credit: Wildlife in Need Center
Service
Collaboration: We believe in the power of collaboration and networking among wildlife rehabilitators, volunteers, veterinarians, and wildlife management agencies to share knowledge, resources, and best practices for the benefit of wildlife and their caregivers, fostering partnerships between communities, organizations, and individuals.
Expertise: We promote the highest standards of knowledge and skill in wildlife rehabilitation, ensuring the best possible outcomes for the animals in rehabilitator care.
Professional Integrity: We uphold professionalism and ethical excellence in wildlife rehabilitation, promoting standards of care that prioritize the welfare of animals and adhere to legal and ethical guidelines.
Education through Service: We serve the Wildlife Rehabilitation Community through offering annual conferences, providing educational resources, workshops, training sessions, listening sessions with wildlife management agencies, virtual roundtables, and resource grants, all aimed at advancing the field of wildlife rehabilitation and supporting our WWRA community in their vital work.
Advocacy: We advocate for policies and practices that support wildlife rehabilitation, promote conservation efforts, safeguard habitats, mitigate threats to native species, and raise awareness of the importance of wildlife in Wisconsin's ecosystems.
Respect: We treat all animals and all members of our Community and the Public with dignity, respect, and empathy, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of wildlife rehabilitation and conservation.
Preservation: We commit to preserving Wisconsin's rich biodiversity by providing expert care and rehabilitation to injured and orphaned wildlife, ensuring their survival and contribution to healthy ecosystems.
Photo Credit: Wildlife in Need Center
Photo Credit: Wildlife in Need Center