What is the primary goal of wildlife rehabilitation?

The primary goal of wildlife rehabilitation is to care for injured, sick, or orphaned wildlife and provide them with the necessary medical treatment and support to recover and be returned to their natural habitats. This involves assessing animals' conditions, providing appropriate veterinary care, and offering rehabilitation services such as physical therapy and proper nutrition. The ultimate objective is to restore the animals to health so they can lead fulfilling lives in the wild, contributing to the balance of ecosystems and biodiversity.

While studying animal behavior in captivity, breeding endangered species, and training animals for reintroduction serve important conservation purposes, their focus differs from the core mission of wildlife rehabilitation. The rehabilitation process prioritizes the immediate health and recovery of individual animals, which is critical for maintaining wild populations and caring for wildlife that has been affected by human activity or natural circumstances.