Symbiotic Wildlife Rehabilitation Society History

The Symbiotic Wildlife Rehabilitation Society came about because of the dream of one woman. At the age of fifteen she started bringing home wild animal babies to take care of. The first was a raccoon, then rabbits and squirrels followed. She also brought home many kittens and puppies to take care of. Her dream was to become a Veterinarian for domestic animals until she found out that there are not many who are qualified to take care of the wildlife.

She went to school and received a Biology degree. She attends numerous training events and is continually learning.  She has been licensed by the State of Iowa to rehabilitate wild mammals, like raccoons.

With a lot of help from volunteers, she redid the basement of her own home and turned it into a nursery for the very small babies. With the help of very good friends, a sink, extra lighting, a small refrigerator and microwave were added. A very good friend and volunteer built many good cages and the Symbiotic Wildlife Rehabilitation Society was born.

She went out to each business in person to ask for donations of supplies, like formulas, gloves, feeding syringes, and many other items. The response was wonderful, however supplies are always needed. Our wildlife rehabilitator was prepared for rabbits and squirrels but her very first season she received Foxes, Raccoons, an Opossum, and adult Squirrels with injuries. Wow.

Without the help of many close friends and many helpful strangers her first season could have went horribly wrong. As it turned out her success rate was around 80% which lived to their release date and were successfully released back into the wild.

That is how we got started. But without the help of many volunteers, businesses, and donations we would not be able to proceed with this society. Our licensed wildlife rehabilitator does not get paid for her long hours and nights.

If you would like to help the critters, along with our Society, we would be very grateful.