Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of MINNESOTA

For the first time in 10 years, wrc did not admit more patients than the previous year. In 2022 wrc admitted 16,671 patients from among 197 species in 2022, compared to 19,266 patients from among 199 different species in 2021. The covid pandemic, which began in march 2020, had a dramatic effect on the pattern of wrc's patient admissions. Admissions from april through august soared, but in 2022 the "normal" distribution of patients was mostly restored. In fact, from september to december, wrc admitted a record number of patients. The second major factor was the catastrophic impact of high pathogenic avian influenza (hpai). The disease hit migratory waterfowl and songbirds very hard and reduced avian species admissions to a third of the previous year.56.7 percent of all admits came from the top five admits. On the other side of the spectrum, we admitted only one patient from 45 species and only two from 18 different species.the explosive growth of patients and the challenges of caring for them under circumstances of the pandemic led to difficult decisions. A further challenge was the catastrophic impact of high pathogenic avian influenza (hpai) on Minnesota's water bird populations. Due to the highly contagious and rapid spread of hpai, wrc did not open a waterfowl nursery in 2022. Despite these challenges, wrc had its third best release of patients in care percentage: 62%.wrc plays an important role in educating students about Wildlife medicine. Our state-of-the art facility, burgeoning patient load, internationally-recognized animal care staff and innovative structure have resulted in the Center being recognized as one of the leading Wildlife medicine teaching hospitals in the country. Wrc has trained Wildlife veterinary students more than 15 countries. In 2022, just the vets at wrc provided 12,000 hours of training. We welcome nearly 600 volunteers each year who receive training on how to appropriately meet the patients' needs such as food, cage cleaning and set-up. They also help keep the overall hospital clean a critical component of a healthy Rehabilitation process. In addition to this training, our staff participates at national conferences, presenting case studies and sharing our knowledge. Our intake desk staff and volunteers assist more than 12,000 people who bring animals to the clinic. Through our innovative health-check program, we reunite orphaned animals with their wild parents when warranted, only admitting juvenile and infant animals who need medical care. Our call Center specialists field nearly 60,000 calls a year and provide advice on how to best help the animal in need.