(Mission, TX) – Just in time for spring and all the babies this time brings, Hidalgo County now has a certified wildlife rehabilitator. Congratulations are due to Angelica Garcia, of the National Butterfly Center in Mission, Texas, for her successful completion of the intensive course of study and examination by the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA).

Wildlife rehabilitators are committed to the treatment and subsequent release of native wildlife in need. Certified rehabilitators, like Ms. Garcia, are specially trained to care for injured animals that are not accustomed to human interaction and should not be kept as pets.

Formerly a Licensed Vocational Nurse, Garcia came to work at the National Butterfly Center more than three years ago when she decided to take a break from working with human patients. In her current position, the nursing education she received and skills she’s developed over years of practice are particularly valuable, as every call for assistance requires an assessment of the animal’s general health, level of trauma and likelihood of survival.
It is estimated that approximately 75% of all wildlife in need of rehabilitative care is affected by human activity, such as automobile traffic, target practice or habitat destruction. For this reason, certified wildlife rehabilitators treat hundreds of thousands of animals annually; some provide this care with little or no financial support. Many, like Garcia, also provide educational programs to the public in an effort to reduce the number of animals killed or injured, whether by malice, misinformation or mistake.

Although most wildlife rehabilitators are focused on preserving individual animals, rather than entire populations and their habitats, at the National Butterfly Center, Garcia gets to teach people about wild animals as well as the intertwining web of life and the importance of conservation, for the continued well-being of all species.

“My work here is rewarding on every level,” explains Garcia, who secretly pursued this certification for over a year before informing her coworkers of her goal. “I’ve found my second calling, and find great fulfillment in fostering these creatures and nursing them back to health. Sharing my knowledge with school children and adult visitors is the icing on the cake—changing attitudes about wild animals and helping people react with wonder, instead of fear.”

Presently, Ms. Garcia is the only certified wildlife rehabilitator in Hidalgo County. Those seeking to engage her services or seek treatment for injured, ill or abandoned wildlife should contact the National Butterfly Center via the Contact page at www.nationalbutterflycenter.org, or call 956.583.5400. You can also find us on Facebook.

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The National Butterfly Center is committed to ‘Growing Connections’ between people, plants, and the winged wonders that pollinate and propagate all that grows around us. We do this through educational and environmental initiatives that cultivate meaningful understanding of the processes that create sustainable ecosystems. The Center is open to the public, for visitors and members, seven days/week.

To learn more about our mission and how you can join us, visit www.nationalbutterflycenter.org, or call 956.583.5400. Your annual membership or charitable gift impacts the beauty of our community and helps preserve the biologically diverse, natural treasures of deep South Texas.