Book 11, Question 138
Why Do Rehab Centers Help Injured Animals?
Rehab centers help injured animals because wild animals need trained care! Wildlife rehabilitators look after hurt or orphaned wild animals and then release them back to the wild when they are better. If you find a hurt wild animal, don't touch it, and tell a grown-up.
More fun facts
- Wildlife rehabilitators care for wild animals that are hurt, sick or orphaned.
- Marine mammal rehab aims to give caring treatment and help animals return to the wild.
- Some centers give long term care so animals can recover before release.
- Some animals are too injured to survive in the wild and find new homes at zoos.
- In some places, like Minnesota, private citizens are not allowed to rehab injured wild animals on their own.
Sources: NOAA, Smithsonian, National Geographic, National Geographic
Questions kids ask
What should I do if I find a hurt wild animal?
Call a local game and fish department, a vet or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for advice.