Email:
alema@audubonportland.org
Occupation:
Wildlife Rehabilitator
Phone Number for follow-up questions:
941-779-8968
Title of presentation:
Wildlife Rehabilitation
Brief Professional Biography:
– Learned about wildlife rehabilitation and did her first internship at Wildlife Images in Grants Pass, Oregon in 2015
– Completed her Associates degree in Florida, where she grew up, before doing another internship, this time at Northwoods Wildlife Center in Minocqua, Wisconsin in 2017 – First full time staff position at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter, Florida in 2018
– Moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2019, and has worked at Portland Audubon’s Wildlife Care Center ever since!
Brief Personal and Professional Biography:
In Ashley’s 25 years, she has always loved animals more than anything. She is passionate about wildlife welfare, rehabilitation and education – and has made that her career. She also takes care of goats on the side, so she can get her fix of farm life, and hopes to own some of her own one day. She lives in Portland, OR with her husband and three cats. She is extremely happy to be talking to young people about meaningful jobs working hands on with animals!
What is one highlight of your career field?
Getting to work with incredible and diverse native species of wild animals
How did you get to your career?
Minimal higher education + hands on training through internships
What does your average day look like on your job?
~10hr days, receiving new injured or orphaned animals and creating treatment plans or euthanizing, cleaning feeding and medicating wild animals, doing dishes and laundry, data entry, public education, offering advice on humane solutions to wildlife conflicts, writing articles, supervising and teaching volunteers, and a million other things to keep a wild animal hospital running!
Are there any tips you have for individuals seeking to start this career or do you know if there are scholarship or internship opportunities available with your career?
My biggest tip: get involved! Look up your nearest licensed wildlife rehab, and see what opportunities they have. Most are in need of volunteers, some offer internships, and occasionally there are job postings for those with experience!
