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Your purchase of these note cards provides feed and care for injured and distressed wildlife at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Institute of Wildlife Rehabilitaion

The University of Tennessee At Chattanooga Wildlife Rehabilitation Institute
Caring for wildlife when wildlife cannot care for itself
The UTC-IWR
Mission Statement


To provide appropriate and humane medical care and temporary sanctuary to injured or orphaned Tennessee wildlife with the intent to release the animals back in to the wild.

To serve the University by encouraging educational and career opportunities in environmental science and supporting scientific investigations relating to forest management, rehabilitation and the conservation of wildlife and its habitats


To raise public awareness of human impact on wildlife through education in conservation and habitat preservation.

To provide a community service to metropolitan Chattanooga as a resource of information and assistance regarding wildlife issues.




WHY REHABILITATE WILDLIFE?

The majority of wild animals brought to rehabilitators, whether sick, injured or orphaned, are the result of human interaction. Autos, chemicals, yard equipment, domestic pets and such present a tremendous hazard to wildlife of all types. As humans continue to build on previously wild habitats. the number of animals impacted increases exponentially.

Rehabilitation efforts allow us to provide a second chance for the rescoupd animals. In addition to returning animals to the wild, rehabilitators have a unique opportunity to educate the public about wildlife and impart an appreciation for native habitats. It is through learning how to co-exist with our wild neighbors that humans will reduce the negative impact on our native animals, both large and small.

              WHAT IT TAKES TO REHABILITATE

Wildlife rehabilitation is a difficult task which goes way beyond compassion for "cute little animals". It requires specialized knowledge of the animals and their natural habitat, an extraordinary amount of time and dedication to the animals, special relationships with veterinarians and scientists, and adequate facilities and funding. State and Federal permits are required to work with all native species to protect both the animals and the people working with them.

All of The UTC Institute of Wildlife Rehabilitation staff have backgrounds working with wildlife and all rehabilitation volunteers are trained and supervised in accordance with Tennessee regulations. If you are interested in learning about rehabilitation and volunteering with the institute. please contact Debbie Lipsey, Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation at (423) 821- 0626

 What to do if you find an animal that you think
needs assistance
Determine if the animal truly needs help. Many people "rescoup" animals that really do not need to be rescoupd. When in doubt call us first. 423-821-0626

Wear gloves and gently place the animal in a cardboard box or dog carrier with a soft towel in the bottom. Cover container with a towel or blanket and place the animal in a dark QUIET room away from pets and children.

Place one half of the container on a heating pad on LOW setting.

DO NOT FEED THE ANIMAL or give it water. Feeding or hydrating
an animal incorrectly can cause illness or death.

Call us as soon as possible to arrange transfer to our facilities. Leave a message if necessary. The answering machine is checked regularly. Someone will call you back soon. 423-821-0626

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Institute of Wildlife Rehabilitation was
funded through a one-time gift. The Institute does not receive any additional financial
support from the University of Tennessee system and is dependent on supporters
to ensure continued operation.

PLEASE CONSIDER A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TODAY!

UTC Institute of Wildlife Rehabilitation
Dept 2653
615 McCallie Avneue
Chattanooga, TN 37403

The University of Tennessee is certified as a qualified charitable organization and
meets the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service within the code sections
501(c)(3). For information on additional ways to support the Institute,
such as memorials/honorariums or in-kind donations, please contact
Kathie Gilbert for further information 423-821-0626 or kathie-gilbert@utc.edu

You can also support the Institue by becoming a Member and/or Adopting an Animal
(Animal adoption in this case means supporting the cost of feed and care at the institute)

Click here for Membership Form or to Adopt an Animal
This is an Acrobat pdf print and mail form and make take a minute or so to load