Gina S.

After 15 years of animal rescue and cat colony care, I noticed an obvious lack of Licensed Wildlife Rehabbers here on Long Island. On multiple occasions, after I rescued an animal, there was no place to bring it for care. So I decided to make myself the caretaker… I studied and passed the NYS DEC Wildlife exam and met with a biologist who cleared me to start my new volunteer career. Another Rehabilitator told me pick one species and learn everything there is to know about it… become an expert. That’s what I did…my choice was Eastern Cottontails, the hardest mammal to rehab by all accounts! I am one of only a handful of people who take them on Long Island and Queens and I am proud to say I have become quite successful. I take in over 300 a year, all while maintaining a family and a career as a Registered Nurse. My love for wildlife keeps me going through sleepless nights and knowing I can save them and give them a second chance in the wild drives me everyday. They need me and I will not never stop helping out wildlife!