Political, economic and social factors comprise a shifting and difficult landscape for wildlife rehabilitation. New methods, new threats and new technologies combine to present unforeseen challenges and unlimited opportunities. Today's rehabilitators have all the passion, drive and dedication of their predecessors as well as the benefits of standing on the shoulders of the giants who blazed the trail. The next generation of rehabilitators must, and will, respond with next-generation solutions.
Two Hour Lab - Decision Making and Bandaging Techniques - The goals of this lab will be have the participant determine type of orthopedic disorder and practice proper bandaging techniques to minimize soft tissue trauma and decrease time in captivity.
Avian Emaciation - Robyn Graboski
Feeding a starving bird is the last thing you want to do. Understanding emaciation, and approaching the condition with proper protocol can save the life of a nutritionally critical patient.
True wildlife rehabilitation involves more than husbandry, caging and release locations - It means making decisions by putting the animal first.
The media can be your friend or foe. Learn how to get the most mileage from your public relations efforts.
Building a rat proof enclosure- Tom Nelson
Wild rodents are the bane of every wildlife rehabilitator. Learn how to keep them at bay, protecting your patient's health and lives.
A Novel Technique Leading to Early Release - The basic fundamentals of fracture management and the use of a K-E apparatus for shorter healing times that lead to a faster release.
Nail and Beak Care (Lab) - Kathy Uhler
Hands-on introduction to maintaining captive bird's beaks and nails.
Injury and disease identification and treatment, new disease threats and diagnostics for turtles. What does it mean when an aquatic turtle cannot submerge? What are the symptoms of the emerging viral diseases in turtles and tortoises? How do you deal with the long-term effects of poor husbandry? These and many more topics will be investigated in this presentation.
Songbird Feeding Implements: Brush, Syringe, or Something Else - Miriam Moyer
There are a variety of feeding implements and techniques that can be used to feed nestlings and fledglings. Which one works best in any given situation depends, to a large extent, on the species, its stage of development, and the food being given? Advantages and disadvantages in using each are described.
An open discussion of the use of Triage in wildlife rehabilitation. Release, euthanasia, or what's in between.
Pennsylvania reptiles are protected under the PA Fish and Boat Commission. Learn about new developments in reptile regulations and how it may affect wildlife rehabilitators.
7:00 PM Saturday evening, plan on joining us for a casual night of fun and games at the hotel with Rehabber Team Jeopardy.
Also, Peggy Hentz has decided to make a complete fool of herself by performing a stand-up comedy routine titled
"PeckerHead!"