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Success Stories

Intern Program

Testimonials

Andrea (OK) Biology Student

A wonderful and life changing experience.

Andrea (OK) Biology Student

Amy J.

I have spent the past 8 years of my life committed to this important non-profit in Fairfield County.  The only organization of its kind in the region, Wildlife in Crisis works to preserve wildlife  through three important efforts: habitat preservation, environmental education and wildlife rehabilitation.  The centerpiece of WIC is the wildlife hospital which nurtures
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I have spent the past 8 years of my life committed to this important non-profit in Fairfield County.  The only organization of its kind in the region, Wildlife in Crisis works to preserve wildlife  through three important efforts: habitat preservation, environmental education and wildlife rehabilitation.  The centerpiece of WIC is the wildlife hospital which nurtures over 5,000 injured and orphaned wild animals every year. In addition, WIC answers over 20,000 calls each year to help members of the community seeking counsel on how to help injured animals they encounter.  WIC has done all of this with quiet resilience since 1988.
I have witnessed, first-hand, the extraordinary miracles performed at WIC… the barred owl struck by a car, saved and nurtured back to health; the mother raccoon beaten with a baseball bat while her babies were still nursing – all of the babies rehabilitated and released back into nature (the mother sadly succumbed to her injuries); the day-old fawn whose mother was struck by a train, nursed to adulthood and released… and that all happened in one day!  From the tiniest of hummingbirds to majestic mammals, WIC accepts over 200 species and works tirelessly to give them all a second chance at life in the wild through quality care. Vital medicine, food, incubators and pre-release habitats…are only possible through generous donations from those who care.
Read more “Amy J.”
Amy J.

Kimberly (South Africa)

Wildlife in Crisis will forever hold a very special place in my heart. Thank you for the amazing opportunity to have been part of such a wonderful organization. Dara took me under her wing. She taught me how to “identify, catch and calm” distressed animals, how to care for and clean; feed; love and nurture
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Wildlife in Crisis will forever hold a very special place in my heart.
Thank you for the amazing opportunity to have been part of such a wonderful organization. Dara took me under her wing. She taught me how to “identify, catch and calm” distressed animals, how to care for and clean; feed; love and nurture and then educate people to respect the animals and the world that we live in. I have always had an immense love for animals and nature as a whole. Having been part of WIC exceeded my wildest dreams. I had a hands on teacher who, along with her husband and a baby on her back, lived to better this world.
Coming from South Africa I had never been in contact with raccoon’s or many of the other “American animals”. I was so impressed with the work WIC was doing. My summer t WIC felt like a week. It is so easy to get totally enthralled – making a positive difference.
Thank you Dara, witnessing your dedication and shear passion and compassion for nature is what led me to where I am today. Founder of Helping Animals Together—a companion animal rescue group in South Africa.
Read more “Kimberly (South Africa)”
Kimberly (South Africa)

Katie (MI)

At Wildlife in Crisis I learned the direct value of hard work: time and effort put into caring about and for the wildlife at the clinic meant healthier and happier animals. Coming into that clinic for the first time was equally inspiring and intimidating, both because of the diversity of animals needing help and also
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At Wildlife in Crisis I learned the direct value of hard work: time and effort put into caring about and for the wildlife at the clinic meant healthier and happier animals. Coming into that clinic for the first time was equally inspiring and intimidating, both because of the diversity of animals needing help and also because of the dedication of the owners, interns, and volunteers. I will never forget all of the animals I cared for, the people I worked with, and the values I learned while I had the wonderful opportunity to experience all that is Wildlife in Crisis.
Read more “Katie (MI)”
Katie (MI)

James Naughton

We all have our charities that we support. Wildlife in Crisis is my charity and I encourage you to make it yours. We’re so fortunate to have Dara and WIC in our community. When I brought an injured fawn to WIC for help I was overwhelmed by the numbers and variety of animals. Raptors, songbirds,
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We all have our charities that we support. Wildlife in Crisis is my charity and I encourage you to make it yours. We’re so fortunate to have Dara and WIC in our community. When I brought an injured fawn to WIC for help I was overwhelmed by the numbers and variety of animals. Raptors, songbirds, mammals, turtles and babies of every size and shape being cared for all day and night by volunteers and interns, AMAZING!
Read more “James Naughton”
James Naughton

Amy R.

I volunteer at Wildlife in Crisis every Wednesday to care for the raptors and raccoons and to help in any way I can. Every week, I see firsthand the exceptional work being done there. The legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden rightly said that the true test of our character is what we do when
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I volunteer at Wildlife in Crisis every Wednesday to care for the raptors and raccoons and to help in any way I can. Every week, I see firsthand the exceptional work being done there.
The legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden rightly said that the true test of our character is what we do when no one is watching. Dara and Peter set the bar higher than anyone I have ever met and instill those values in all who volunteer beside them. When no one is watching, someone feeds the hummingbirds every 20 minutes. When no one is watching, Dara drives six hours to consult with another vet about a fawn that other vets considered beyond help (In the end, Dara was right, and the fawn is thriving). When no one is watching, Peter patiently returns more than a hundred calls a day, treating each one as if it were the only one that day. When no one is watching, volunteer interns spend hours brainstorming how to cheer a suddenly reclusive beloved duck, how to teach an owl to perch, how to feed a fox that won’t eat. When no one is watching, someone checks on the animals multiple times every night to make sure all is well. When no one is watching, the team continues its work in the freezing rain, sweltering heat, and deep snow. It is a privilege to give money and time to this rarest of places, and I am grateful for the opportunity to partner with a team whose humble, committed character inspires me each time I visit.
Read more “Amy R.”
Amy R.

Kelly (ME), Registered Nurse

At Wildlife in Crisis,animals come in, sometimes barely alive, and you help bring them back to health. Eventually you release them into the wild. I found this work very rewarding. WIC’s founder, Dara Reid’s dedication and knowledge are amazing, I respect her so much!

Kelly (ME), Registered Nurse

Gina DiMeo (Delaware)

As a child I pretended to be a super hero, as many kids seem to do. I ran around my house fighting imaginary crime and saving the day. As I grew older, that feeling of wanting a purpose followed me. I started my internship at Wildlife In Crisis at the beginning of baby season and
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As a child I pretended to be a super hero, as many kids seem to do. I ran around my house fighting imaginary crime and saving the day. As I grew older, that feeling of wanting a purpose followed me. I started my internship at Wildlife In Crisis at the beginning of baby season and it shocked me at how many injured and orphaned animals came through the door on a given day. Working nonstop to help the helpless was exhausting but it wasn’t until I released one of our healed red tail hawks at Hawkwatch that I realized what Wildlife In Crisis made me. They gave me the chance to be what I’ve always wanted to be ever since I was a kid, a hero; only instead of a cape I was wearing blue scrubs. Taking care of animals that have experienced tragedy and giving them a second chance at life and a second chance to be wild again. I will always be proud to say that I was an intern at Wildlife In Crisis, and I will carry the love from those that I have raised, in my heart, with me every day. And I just have to say Thank You to Wildlife In Crisis for giving me this unremarkable experience.
Read more “Gina DiMeo (Delaware)”
Gina DiMeo (Delaware)

Robert

It is an honor to work as a volunteer at Wildlife in Crisis. There is nothing as inspirational and awe-inspiring as watching the tireless work of Dara, Peter, the interns and volunteers nurse orphaned wild animals until they can survive on their own … and then release them into the wild. Thank you for giving
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It is an honor to work as a volunteer at Wildlife in Crisis. There is nothing as inspirational and awe-inspiring as watching the tireless work of Dara, Peter, the interns and volunteers nurse orphaned wild animals until they can survive on their own … and then release them into the wild. Thank you for giving God’s creatures a second chance!
Read more “Robert”
Robert

Laura Cummins (NY) Biologist

The work we do is so meaningful and important. This program has been the most amazing of my life! I have grown in ways I didn’t even know were possible. I loved every moment of this exceptional opportunity. This organization is truly amazing and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of it.

Laura Cummins (NY) Biologist

Beth (DE) Veterinarian

I anticipated gaining hands-on experience in wildlife rehabilitation, what I got was a whole lot more! The number and variety of endangered wildlife in need brought to WIC is truly mind-boggling and the quality of care each animal receives at WIC is extraordinary. My unique experience at WIC strengthened my resolve for a life-long commitment
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I anticipated gaining hands-on experience in wildlife rehabilitation, what I got was a whole lot more! The number and variety of endangered wildlife in need brought to WIC is truly mind-boggling and the quality of care each animal receives at WIC is extraordinary. My unique experience at WIC strengthened my resolve for a life-long commitment to helping wildlife.
Read more “Beth (DE) Veterinarian”
Beth (DE) Veterinarian

Justine (Illinois)

Wildlife in crisis has inspired me to lead a more compassionate life and to take greater action for the conservation and protection of our local wildlife. The internship provides a rare glimpse into the lives of animals whose presence we often take for granted. Every animal that comes through these doors has its own story
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Wildlife in crisis has inspired me to lead a more compassionate life and to take greater action for the conservation and protection of our local wildlife. The internship provides a rare glimpse into the lives of animals whose presence we often take for granted. Every animal that comes through these doors has its own story and hardships, and being tasked with their care not only gives any student of veterinary medicine or aspiring rehabilitator the methods necessary to become a skilled animal caretaker, it also opens your eyes to the private lives and struggles of these beings that are living alongside us in our communities and neighborhoods. Whether you are pursuing a career in wildlife care or otherwise, this work is deeply rewarding and will lay the groundwork for anyone who wants to become an advocate for animals and the environment.
Read more “Justine (Illinois)”
Justine (Illinois)

Kelsey (Ohio)

Wildlife in Crisis will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where I was introduced to new animal species, where I learned how to care for injured and orphaned wildlife, and where I saw firsthand the types of dangers animals are exposed to. I can’t imagine ever forgetting the people, animals, and experiences
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Wildlife in Crisis will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where I was introduced to new animal species, where I learned how to care for injured and orphaned wildlife, and where I saw firsthand the types of dangers animals are exposed to. I can’t imagine ever forgetting the people, animals, and experiences that were involved in my internship here.
Read more “Kelsey (Ohio)”
Kelsey (Ohio)

Daphne Ryan (Great Britain)

Straight out of college, I knew I wanted hands-on experience with animals, one that could not be taught in a classroom. With my internship at Wildlife in Crisis, I got just that and much much, much more. The hours were long, the work was very demanding but nowhere else could I experience the joy and reward
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Straight out of college, I knew I wanted hands-on experience with animals, one that could not be taught in a classroom. With my internship at Wildlife in Crisis, I got just that and much much, much more. The hours were long, the work was very demanding but nowhere else could I experience the joy and reward of watching orphaned animals grow healthily in my care. I never thought that in one summer, I could raise more than a dozen fawns and also care for young woodchucks, foxes, ducklings, goslings and the permanent resident animals, but I did! The year I spent at Wildlife in Crisis (because 6 months wasn’t long enough for me) has taught me more than any job ever will. I now have the knowledge to raise a wide variety of animals and care for injured wildlife. WIC and all its animal residents will always have a special place in my heart. Thankfully, I still live in Connecticut and come volunteer whenever I can!
Read more “Daphne Ryan (Great Britain)”
Daphne Ryan (Great Britain)

Sarah (Pennsylvania)

Some of my fondest memories are from the summer I spent interning at Wildlife in Crisis. As an animal lover, being surrounded by so many species everyday was mind blowing, and knowing that I played a direct role in their path back to the wild was among the most satisfying feelings I have ever had.
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Some of my fondest memories are from the summer I spent interning at Wildlife in Crisis. As an animal lover, being surrounded by so many species everyday was mind blowing, and knowing that I played a direct role in their path back to the wild was among the most satisfying feelings I have ever had. The breadth and depth of knowledge and handling experience I gained is unmatched even now as a vet student at the University of Pennsylvania. I only wish there were more resources like Wildlife in Crisis for injured wildlife around the world, but I without a doubt will use everything I learned as a practicing vet.
Read more “Sarah (Pennsylvania)”
Sarah (Pennsylvania)

Anna (Australia) Communications Associate at the Rainforest Alliance

I was a resident intern for WIC in the summer of ’08 and I continue to volunteer there on a weekly basis. My involvement with the organization has been immensely beneficial to both my personal and career development. WIC is a truly amazing organization that puts the well being of all wildlife before anything else.
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I was a resident intern for WIC in the summer of ’08 and I continue to volunteer there on a weekly basis. My involvement with the organization has been immensely beneficial to both my personal and career development. WIC is a truly amazing organization that puts the well being of all wildlife before anything else. The organization’s dedication to the life of each individual animal is truly unprecedented. This is something I was able to experience while working for the organization. We worked all day and all night to ensure each and every animal received the care and attention necessary so that it could be released back to the wild. WIC saves thousands of injured and orphaned animals each year. Being able to be present during the releases of hundreds of animals was truly a gratifying experience that illustrated the importance of WIC in giving injured and orphaned wildlife the second chance that they deserve. The organization is expanding and deals with more and more animals each year. It needs funding so that it can further develop its facilities to care for the increasing number of animals it cares for. My experiences with WIC Founder, Dara Reid have been incredible. Dara is someone truly admirable who has dedicated her entire life to caring for wildlife through WIC.
Read more “Anna (Australia) Communications Associate at the Rainforest Alliance”
Anna (Australia) Communications Associate at the Rainforest Alliance

Josni Mistry (CT)

I have always loved animals of all shapes and sizes and from a young age I dreamed of a job where I would be able to work with and help animals. Wildlife in Crisis is an organization that turned my dreams into a reality. Working at WIC taught me more than how to aid orphaned
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I have always loved animals of all shapes and sizes and from a young age I dreamed of a job where I would be able to work with and help animals. Wildlife in Crisis is an organization that turned my dreams into a reality. Working at WIC taught me more than how to aid orphaned and injured wildlife–it helped me realize that there are people in the world that still care about living in harmony with nature. It was inspiring to interact with so many members of the public that were willing to leave their comfort zone and catch an injured red tail or drive an hour to bring us a crying fawn. These unique experiences and the skills I learned while at WIC have prompted me to pursue a career in rehabilitation and conservation so that I too will have the opportunity to be an advocate for the natural world someday. Working at Wildlife in Crisis was the best job I’ve ever had and I continue to volunteer for this important organization as often as I can.
Read more “Josni Mistry (CT)”
Josni Mistry (CT)

Lisa (NY) Biology Student

As a former summer intern I had the chance to really see just how much hard work goes into making this organization a success. It’s great to see so many injured and orphaned animals have a second chance at life. Dara has put her heart into this place and without her, the staff and all
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As a former summer intern I had the chance to really see just how much hard work goes into making this organization a success. It’s great to see so many injured and orphaned animals have a second chance at life. Dara has put her heart into this place and without her, the staff and all the supporters, WIC wouldn’t be what it is today. Personally my internship was an experience I’ll never forget and it has given me the experience I need to pursue my career goals. I only wish I were able to continue volunteering at such a great place. I really don’t know how Dara manages to do everything she does. She really is an amazing person to have been able to start this whole organization when she was just over 20 and still be able to raise a family. WIC biggest challenge is not having enough space and money. Each year more non- releasable animals make WIC their permanent home and more releasable animals come in every year. It is a very small space and we always put a great deal of effort into conserving resources. I hope someday WIC can build their dream facility. They have plans for a new and improved facility but do not have the funds. With the money more animals could be cared for and be given permanent homes if needed.
Read more “Lisa (NY) Biology Student”
Lisa (NY) Biology Student

Janice

I have had the great privilege to work as a weekly volunteer at Wildlife in Crisis. At WIC, injured wildlife are well cared for, rehabilitated and released back into the wild where they belong. Thank goodness there are people like Dara and the rest of the WIC staff in this world!

Janice

Kathryn (PA)

Working at Wildlife in Crisis has been unlike any other position I’ve held.  Having never visited the facility before I began the internship, I could only gather impressions through the website and phone interviews.  Everything I heard and read made me want to be a part of it.  It sounded like WIC was a bit
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Working at Wildlife in Crisis has been unlike any other position I’ve held.  Having never visited the facility before I began the internship, I could only gather impressions through the website and phone interviews.  Everything I heard and read made me want to be a part of it.  It sounded like WIC was a bit of the cure for human ignorance, giving back without reservations.  It has been refreshing to work for a selfless organization that dedicates an immeasurable amount of time and energy to these animals.  Working entirely for the welfare of other creatures has been incredibly gratifying.  It was rewarding to witness the release of the animals, especially the raccoons because I had been working with them since they were little.  I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to help rehabilitate and raise numerous injured and orphaned animals alongside such talented and wonderful people. I’ve also been touched by people authentically concerned for wildlife, and it has amazed me that there are many compassionate people who go out of their way to save these animals.  It makes me happy to see people genuinely wanting to help, and I hope that as WIC grows, more realize their vital role in helping save these animals.
Read more “Kathryn (PA)”
Kathryn (PA)
Read more testimonials

Success Stories

Browse the links below to learn about a small sample of the animals that WIC has helped over the years.  Also take time to read about the WIC Ambassadors and how you can help by sponsoring an animal.

  • Sponsor a Patient
  • Wildlife In Crisis Ambassadors
  • Mammals
  • Birds
  • Raptors
  • Reptiles

I wish to speak a word for Nature…

Henry David Thoreau

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Wildlife in Crisis, Inc.
P.O. Box 1246
Weston, CT 06883

(203) 544-9913

wildlifeincrisis@snet.net

Hours: 9am-5pm daily

owl-footerWildlife in Crisis is a volunteer run, non-profit,
501(c)(3) organization dedicated to wildlife preservation and land conservation.

WIC was founded in 1988 and each year WIC cares for over 5,000 injured and orphaned wild animals.

WIC relies entirely on donations to care for debilitated wildlife. Click here to donate.

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Copyright 2026 Wildlife in Crisis, Inc.™ All rights reserved.

All images and text on this site are copyrighted by WIC.
No part of this web site may be reproduced in whole or part, in any form or
by any means without permission in writing from Wildlife in Crisis, Inc.

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      • Photos
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  • Wildlife FAQs
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    • Mammals – Deer/Fawn/Rabbit/Other
    • Birds
  • Land Trust
  • Environmental Education
    • Co-Existing with Indigenous Wildlife
    • Give Wildlife a Brake!
    • Primary Care for Young Mammals
    • Primary Care for Young Birds
    • Rabies – Don’t Panic!
    • Pick Up and Transport
    • Defensive Driving Tips
    • Leave the Fawns Alone!
    • Informational Links
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    • Mammals
    • Birds
    • Raptors
    • Reptiles
    • Wildlife In Crisis Ambassadors
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