Wildlife Rehabilitation: From Rescue to Release

S5E8 Austin Bat Refuge with Dianne Odegard and Lee Mackenzie Part 2

In the second part of this conversation, we speak with Dianne Odegard and Lee Mackenzie, the founders of Austin Bat Refuge. We add to our previous episode by doing a deep dive on the Eastern Red Bat, specifically, orphan babies.Special thanks to our guests, Partners For Wildlife, and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.Resources mentioned:Austin Bat RefugeThe Rehabilitation and Captive Care of Insectivorous Bats

S5E7 Austin Bat Refuge with Dianne Odegard and Lee Mackenzie Part 1

In the first part of this two-parter, we speak with Dianne Odegard and Lee Mackenzie, the founders of Austin Bat Refuge. We hear recent rescue stories, and learn about radar projects, Free-tailed bats, and how Austin became known as “bat city”. Special thanks to our guests, Partners For Wildlife, and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.Resources mentioned:Austin Bat Refuge

S5E6 National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA) with Amanda Nicholson and Dr. Karra Pierce Part 2

In the second part of our conversation with Amanda Nicholson, Senior Vice President of the Wildlife Center of Virginia, and Dr. Karra Pierce, Director of Veterinary Services at the Wildlife Center of Virginia, we discuss the offerings (books, courses, and beyond) through the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA) and how you can get involved from becoming a member to joining a committee and even the board. NWRA’s 2026 Symposium takes place February 24–28 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. To learn more about the symposium, please see the links below. Special thanks to our guests, Partners For Wildlife, and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.Resources mentioned:NWRA's 2026 SymposiumNWRA website

S5E5 National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA) with Amanda Nicholson and Dr. Karra Pierce Part 1

We welcome Amanda Nicholson, Senior Vice President of the Wildlife Center of Virginia, and Dr. Karra Pierce, Director of Veterinary Services at the Wildlife Center of Virginia, to the podcast to chat about the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA). In the first of our two-part conversation, we discuss NWRA’s annual symposium, exploring what it takes to bring it to life and offering advice for first-time attendees. In part two, we dive into the other resources NWRA offers. NWRA’s 2026 Symposium takes place February 24–28 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. To learn more about the symposium, please see the links below. Special thanks to our guests, Partners For Wildlife, and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.Resources mentioned:NWRA's 2026 SymposiumNWRA website

S5E4 International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) with Kai Williams Part 2

In the second part of our conversation with Kai Williams, the Executive Director of the IWRC, we dive into the classes offered, how they are helping folks outside of North America with wildlife rehabilitation, and the organization’s future. Be sure to keep an eye out for the organization’s upcoming publication on nutrition! Special thanks to our guest, Partners For Wildlife, and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.Resources mentioned:IWRC coursesBecome an IWRC memberAbout WRKEWRKE new user registration form