Bridgewater College students are getting hands-on experience with animal care and rehabilitation thanks to a partnership with the Wildlife Center of Virginia.
WCV has previously offered internships to students, but it has recently expanded its state rehabilitation permits to include BC, allowing students a unique opportunity on campus.
Eighteen students are enrolled in a new Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation seminar. The seminar is taught by Dr. Tamara Johnstone-Yellin, an associate professor of biology and environmental science, with guest experts from WCV.
Next semester, the students will apply their knowledge to caring for a cohort of woodland box turtles that are housed on campus. During the spring practicum in wildlife rehabilitation, students will be responsible for feeding, maintaining husbandry standards and monitoring the health of the turtles as they rehabilitate from illness or injury, in preparation for their eventual release.
Students will also be prepared to take the international wildlife rehabilitation certification exam, if they choose.
“Our goal is to teach students the ins and outs of wildlife rehabilitation and have them get hands-on experience,” said Johnstone-Yellin.
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Crystal Graham
