Our mission is to rehabilitate and release orphaned and injured wildlife, and through education, preserve and protect the natural habitat and species indigenous to Nebraska and the Great Plains. The means to accomplish this mission is to educate the public to an understanding of our Great Plains ecosystem and its component parts.

Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization of professional wildlife rehabilitators working under permits from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Wildlife rehabilitators provide medical management and compassionate care for injured, sick, and orphaned wild, native Nebraska species and migratory birds. Working closely with veterinarians and other wildlife and health professionals, our goal is to rehabilitate the wildlife in our temporary care for reintroduction to the appropriate wild habitat.

NWRI has a history of over 25 years of professional wildlife rehabilitation. Our team leaders and many team members take basic and advanced classes in wildlife rehabilitation procedures and protocols, attend national and regional conferences, publish in professional journals, and give presentations at professional meetings. NWRI holds memberships in two national organizations, International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) and National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA).

Compassionate people have always tried to care for wildlife in need. In recent years research has shown that we cannot use the techniques developed for domestic pets or farm animals with wild animals and birds. National standards have been created for wildlife care, including species-specific diets and housing, environmental enrichment, and release criteria. Additionally, wildlife education guidelines have been established which take into consideration the welfare of the animals and birds, as well as the message to the public.

Letting "nature take its course" is no longer a viable philosophy. Most birds and mammals admitted to rehabilitation are suffering as a consequence of the negative impact of humans on wildlife and wild habitat. It is appropriate that we accept the responsibility of conservation and preservation of our native wildlife and wild places.

Caring people frequently see a need to help wildlife where no need exists. NWRI volunteers are able to explain natural history, provide guidelines for determining whether or not an animal is truly in need of help, and suggest humane solutions for nuisance problems. Contributions from the public help offset the expenses incurred by our volunteers. Tax-deductible donations help meet the financial costs of veterinary care, medication, diet and housing for our wildlife rehabilitation patients. We also accept donations of services and goods. Planned giving can be arranged to meet your individual needs.

NWRI is developing plans for a wildlife hospital and computer-based educational complex. The hospital will improve our ability to provide veterinary care for wildlife in need. The educational unit will provide unique opportunities for young people to participate in real-time environmental activities. This complex will further strengthen our commitment to protect the health, habitat, and heritage of our Nebraska wildlife.