This was from Sunday, International Women's Day, but sometimes the algorithm gives me things after the fact...
From West Shore Wildlife Center
Hello everyone. Willow here. The barn owl who lives at West Shore Wildlife Center and has very strong opinions about the humans who take care of me.
If you've ever visited the center, you may have noticed something. Most of the humans doing the feeding, cleaning, rescuing, teaching, bottle-feeding, chart- writing, and late-night worrying are... women.
And frankly, I approve.
Wildlife rehabilitation is one of those rare fields where women make up the majority of the workforce. In fact, estimates suggest around 80-90% of wildlife rehabilitators are women. That means across the country, thousands of women are the ones answering hotline calls, climbing ladders to renest babies, cleaning enclosures, administering medications, and staying up through the night to make sure injured animals get another chance.
From an owl's perspective, it's impressive.
This work isn't glamorous. It involves long hours, emotional cases, tiny patients that need feeding every few hours, and the constant challenge of running wildlife centers with limited resources. The people who choose this work do it because they care deeply about animals and the ecosystems we share. And the women in this field show up again and again for the animals despite the challenges.
They also show up for each other. One of the most remarkable things about wildlife rehabilitation is the community behind it. Women across the country mentor new rehabbers, share medical knowledge, transport animals, and collaborate so wildlife gets the best possible care.
Many of the people who care for me, the other ambassadors, and the hundreds of wild patients who come through our doors each year are women who have chosen to dedicate their time, energy, and expertise to animals that can never say thank you.
But I can.
So today, on International Women's Day, I'd like to say thank you to the women who make wildlife rehabilitation possible. Thank you for the early mornings, the late nights, the patience, the compassion, and the stubborn determination it takes to do this work well.
And personally, thank you for the excellent mouse service.
With appreciation (and excellent hearing), Willow the Barn Owl 🦉
Major respect to all the women of wildlife rehab! You've taught me so much and inspire me constantly.
