Mary L.

I first began my love of caring for wildlife as a 12 year old, and my Dad found an injured turtle and brought him home. My Dad had seen the turtle on the road and someone tried to stop to avoid the turtle, but instead they braked right on the turtle and scraped up his plastron (under side of his shell). When my Dad got home he said, "I got something for you to do". He showed me the injured turtle and said, "I think you can fix him". I cannot stand the sight of blood, but my love of animals was bigger than my fear. My Dad knew my love of animals that began when I was 3 years old and aware of all wildlife, and he believed in me. I was the kind of child that turned over rocks just trying to see something alive. I also was the kid on the block that tried to educate the other kids on being respectful to lightning bugs. I spent my time reading reptile, amphibian, mammal and bird reference books. Back then there were no wildlife rehabbers for us to be referred to. I don't remember exactly what I did since it was many, many years ago, but I treated his wounds, set a an appropriate habitat after referring to one of my reference books and I released him about a month later, with my Dad. I will never forget that moment and I was hooked. Years passed and then in 1993 when my kids were very small, I had found out that I could be licensed wildlife rehabber and subsequently help wildlife and work along side other people like me. My kids learned how to assist me with rehab as well, and certainly enjoyed the adventure. I treasure my rehabbing days, especially as I raised my kids. My kids grew to be the adults that continue to share their love and respect of wildlife. I continue to this day and specialize in orphaned non-native birds. I enjoy talking on the phone with people and educating them on how to determine if wildlife needs rescuing or not. I really enjoy teaching people that are motivated, what they can do, to help a family of birds who have had their nest destroyed. I have the best pictures of the makeshift nests that people have successfully made for a bird family. If you ever see an Easter basket hanging in a tree in Kankakee county, I just might have the story on that one! I love getting a call back after I have helped someone understand how to do this, and hearing them say, "It worked! The parents came back!" That is the best feeling helping someone successfully help our wildlife and hearing the joy in their voices when it works. I care for birds from hatchlings to fledglings. I enjoy the process and watching them develop so quickly, to the day I get to witness their release. I have been a rehabber by heart since I was a small child, and will be one as long as I am able. If someday I can't physically do it any longer, I will always be available to help the caring public by phone.