Erin Casper
How long have you been rehabilitating wildlife?
I started volunteering in rehab 8 years ago, and began working full-time in wildlife rehab 7 years ago
What is your favorite animal you work with?
My favourite animals to work with are aquatic birds, especially grebes and loons. They pose a unique challenge due to their incredible adaptations, I just adore how rewarding it is to see them succeed
Did you always know you wanted to be involved with wildlife?
Yes. I originally went to school to become a wildlife biologist, but once I got a taste of the wildlife hospital and rehabilitation process, I was hooked. I even went back to school to do a Master’s of Vet Med Sci in wildlife stress, and am now working on my DVM – all to work with wildlife!
What is an animal you dream to work with?
I have been fortunate to work with almost every species in my region. However, working with any species of albatross would be a real privilege.
Do you work with other rehabbers or do you work independently?
For most of my career I worked at an incredible wildlife hospital with 2 other full-time rehabbers, a veterinarian, and countless dedicated volunteers. Now that I am back in school, I mostly use my experience to consult on difficult cases with my colleagues across Canada and Alaska, and try to keep my clinical skills up by volunteering at my old clinic when I can find the time.
Do you work with all species? If no, which groups of animals do you concentrate on?
Yes, I do work with all species in our region.
Do you have any pets?
Yes! Two indoor cats, Bennie and Kipper, and our new golden retriever puppy, Junebug!
What are some of your hobbies?
My hobbies are cooking, gardening, cross-stitching, foraging and birding. Also home improvement – there is always a DIY project going on at our house!
Do you volunteer for other organizations?
At the moment, I only volunteer as the student representative of the Veterinary Science Animal Care Committee at my school. Previously I have been a long time volunteer bander at our local bird-banding office, and director-at-large of our local humane society.
If you could travel anywhere in the world specifically for wildlife sighting, where would you go?
The Galapagos Islands or Haida Gwaii
Is there anything else you would like us to know or share about you?
Wildlife rehab has shaped my life in so many ways, I can’t imagine who I would be without it. The importance of this profession is near and dear to my heart, and I hope can can continue to contribute meaningfully to the field as both a CWR and a DVM in the coming years.