Second Chance Wildlife Center

The mission of Second Chance is to provide - free of charge - care and rehabilitation to ill, injured, and/or orphaned wildlife - especially those that have been negatively affected by human activities - with the goal of returning them to the wild; to educate the public about the importance of wildlife and help them live in closer harmony with; to function as a wildlife referral and information resource for local residents, local, state, and federal agencies, and businesses, students, and educators.

About Second Chance 

Second Chance Wildlife Center is a nonprofit, volunteer wildlife rehabilitation facility whose goal is to return injured and orphaned animals back to their habitat. SCWC is housed in a historic Gaithersburg farmhouse surrounded by fields, woods, a marsh, and a stream. 

The examination room, animal care quarters, kitchen, and office are located in the farmhouse. Several spacious flight cages and small-mammal cages are on the adjacent lawn. The Center's Director, Christine Montuori, is a highly trained and licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Second Chance Wildlife Center is the only IWRC accredited facility east of Texas. Chris and Mira Millar, Assistant Director, oversee an all-volunteer staff, providing care for over 3,200 animals annually. 

Second Chance is supported entirely through the generosity of the public. SCWC is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. Gifts of animal food, supplies, and building materials are needed regularly and are gratefully received. Benefactors can be assured that their gifts are used wisely and directly to benefit the animals and to educate the public. .

Details of volunteer schemes, the Traveler Memorial Education Fund and how to help the SCWC are available on-line along with center visiting hours and arrangements.

Internship Program 

Full-time spring and summer undergraduate internship positions are currently being solicited at our high-volume wildlife rehabilitation center. Working under the supervision of a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, students learn to admit, examine, diagnose, medicate, feed, and handle animal patients. Additionally, interns are expected to participate in facility maintenance. Internships are arranged for periods of six to twelve weeks, for 40 hours per week. Small stipends may be awarded, but are not guaranteed. 

This is an excellent opportunity for prospective veterinarians and wildlife biologists. Second Chance Wildlife Center provides care and treatment to nearly 4,000 birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles each year; the majority of which are admitted during the spring and summer months. Located fifteen miles north of Washington, DC, in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Second Chance encourages interns to take advantage of this proximity for a cultural, as well as educational, internship experience. 

Applicants must be mature, responsible, and self-motivated, and possess an interest in wildlife rehabilitation. A biological background is helpful, but not necessary. Please submit transcripts (unofficial photocopies are acceptable) and/or resume along with a statement of interest to the center.