Christina R.

I’ve always had a lifelong passion for animals but id be lying if i said growing up smack dab in the middle of Florida didnt play a large role in holding my interest for as long as it has. It started as a kid who chose to watch wild rescues, and the crocodile hunter over cartoons. I spent my youth camping, birdwatching, and visiting all the wildlife silver springs and Paynes Prairie had to offer. As an adult, I spent some time working in domestic and equine veterinary medicine. After we moved from our hometown, I turned my attention to rehab because the industry itself is always in need of knowledgeable, motivated people who share the same passion for wildlife. I started volunteering with Anna’s facility about a year and half ago. I couldn’t have gotten the hands-on experience and knowledge I’ve gained from her, as a mentor, anywhere else. Back in February we attended a conference hosted through FWRA. There we took many hands on, (guided by the top rehabbers in our state) classes to help improve our skills as wildlife rehabbers. During baby season the days we volunteer are long and tiring and the nights are often too short, but to me personally, there is nothing more fulfilling in life than taking a sick or injured animal from the brink of death, to being healthy enough for its release back into the wild. It truly makes it all worth it.

Everyone who deals with babies or compromised animals in general, in any field knows how important it is to keep them warm. Naturally I want the absolute best for the babies in my care. Quality care costs, and unfortunately since everything we do is funded either out of pocket or through donations from the general public the money I've gotten through donations has gone towards other things we absolutely cannot function without, such as food, supplies, and medications. I hate admitting that i need help with this, but everyone has to start somewhere and unfortunately the money needed for an incubator is not something I have currently. I am so thankful to have an opportunity such as this to improve the lives of our patients who so desperately need our help.

As far as caring for native species, I overall want to specialize in squirrels, opossums, rabbits, raptors, and fawns, though I am willing to do whatever is needed of me to help distress or displaced wildlife. I have some experience with other native species including various reptiles, but at this point in my life, I am looking to eventually continue my education in those fields as well.