EFFICACY OF WILDLIFE REHABILITATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION A DETAILED Thesis

EFFICACY OF WILDLIFE REHABILITATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION A DETAILED REVIEW OF LEES-MCRAE COLLEGE WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CONCENTRATION - Thesis Example collected from students, faculty and staff in the spring and fall of 2010 to explore the background factors of individuals enrolling in the program, the use of experiential learning in the classroom, and program outcomes, particularly in the area of critical thinking and problem solving. Recognizing that the planet and its life forms have an inherent worth, and that we have a responsibility to treat the earth and its processes with respect, the Blue Ridge Wildlife Institute (BRWI) is dedicated to the stewardship of the Earth through environmental education, and rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned native North American wildlife. (BRWI, 1996) Wildlife rehabilitation and the use of wildlife in educational programming in a college setting is a relatively new concept and can be a life-changing experience for learners who work with injured and orphaned animals. Although there is extensive research involving the human and animal relationship (Nimmo, 2012) there are no other studies, on the educational outcomes of wildlife rehabilitation programs in higher education. The Blue Ridge Wildlife Institute (BRWI) at Lees-McRae College, in Banner Elk, North Carolina provides medical and rehabilitative services for sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife and admits between 900-1000 patients annually. In addition, BRWI serves as an educational entity, providing outreach wildlife programs throughout the western North Carolina region.   It is the setting for biology students to acquire knowledge and experience in wildlife rehabilitation and the use of trained, non-releasable wildlife to partner with in education.   While there are wildlife rehabilitation centers attached to veterinary schools at, for example, Tufts University, University of Minnesota, and University of California Davis, there are no undergraduate colleges that house an on-campus wildlife rehabilitation center and offer a major in wildlife rehabilitation. As such, the Lees-McRae College program can