The Wildlife Center of Virginia, a hospital for native wildlife, teaching the world to care about and care for wildlife and the environment.

Established in 1982, The Wildlife Center of Virginia is the nation's leading teaching and research hospital for native wildlife. Each year, we provide thousands of injured and orphaned wild animals with state-of-the-art veterinary care, free of charge, with the goal of returning them to the wild. We also train veterinarians, veterinary students, and wildlife rehabilitators from all over the United States. As a privately funded, non-profit organization, The Wildlife Center's work is supported entirely by people who share a concern for wildlife and the environment.

Through caring for individual animals, we gain unique insights and perspectives into conservation issues. Most of our patients have problems caused directly or indirectly by people--many are victims of motor vehicle collisions, pesticide poisoning, gunshot wounds,  tell us much about our environment... and ourselves. 

The Wildlife Center of Virginia
Environmental Education Department

The mission of The Wildlife Center is to teach others about wildlife, inspiring them to take positive action on behalf of wildlife and the environment. In large part, we accomplish our mission through our environmental education program. Audiences at schools, libraries, and meetings enjoy the thrill of seeing our non-releasable hawks, owls, opossums, and other animals face to face. Since 1985 we've enriched the lives of thousands of students and adults throughout the mid-Atlantic region with lively education programs. A variety of presentations convey messages about such topics as birds of prey, endangered species, adaptation, biodiversity, habitats, littering, and more. 

Assembly Programs bring wildlife up close and personal to groups all over Virginia and the surrounding states. Our environmental educators design programs that feature non-releasable wildlife, stories, games, activities, and demonstrations, to create a unique conservation lesson.

Tours and Field Trips  to The Wildlife Center of Virginia are offered for groups of all ages and interests. Take a look at a working wildlife hospital or take a walk on the wild side, a variety of trips are available.     

Animal Adoption is a  great way to get involved in helping wildlife. Our "Caring for Critters" program allows groups or individuals to sponsor non-releasable wild creatures. 

Teachers and Group Leaders The Wildlife Center needs your    help! 

Employment and Volunteer Opportunities WCV needs contractual employees and interns to provide top quality programs. 

The Wildlife Center of Virginia Veterinary Department

Established in 1982, The Wildlife Center of Virginia is the nation's leading teaching and research hospital for native wildlife. Each year, we provide thousands of injured and orphaned wild animals with state-of-the-art veterinary care, free of charge, with the goal of returning them to the wild. We also train veterinarians, veterinary students, and wildlife rehabilitators from all over the world. 

Veterinary Services  The Wildlife Center of Virginia cares for over 2,500 wild animals from across Virginia and surrounding states each year. The veterinary staff provides all aspects of medical care, from diagnostics to rehabilitation. The Wildlife Center's veterinary team includes some of the nation's leading experts in clinical care and laboratory technology. The veterinary staff includes full-time veterinarians, veterinary technicians, animal caretakers, and volunteers.  The Wildlife Center provides valuable professional training and hands-on experience in wildlife medicine for fourth year veterinary students and veterinarians. Students from two-thirds of the nation's 27 vet schools have completed externships at The Center. Additional training programs target wildlife rehabilitators and animal care professionals. 

Fully Equipped Animal Hospital The highest standards of veterinary care are maintained in The Wildlife Center's 5700 square foot hospital. The facility includes specially designed treatment, laboratory, surgical, x-ray, and recover areas, as well as a modern pathology lab and commissary. The Wildlife Center's high success rate is due in large part to our research and innovation in treatment methods. Our research has also led to the collection of data unavailable elsewhere, which has helped identify and explain previously unstudied problems, many of which may have serious implications for human health. 

Professional Opportunities for Veterinarians and Senior Veterinary students are available in the form of internships and externships.

Volunteer Opportunities and Internships are available for students and other people interested in wildlife rehabilitation.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Training Classes WCV staff travel throughout Virginia with their On The Road training programs.

Details of how to help the center, events and information sheets are available on-line.