by Peter Elliott

Rebecca Michelin, director of the Schuylkill Center Wildlife Clinic, has always had an attachment to animals. A native of Nova Scotia, she has always had an appreciation for wildlife.

“I’m one of those people who grew up loving animals,” Michelin said. “I loved the ocean and I studied oceanography while in college.”

That love of nature prompted Michelin to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology at Memorial University of Newfoundland. After graduating in 2007, she worked as an education coordinator and rehabilitation coordinator for Hope for Wildlife in Nova Scotia, and later as director of animal operations at Wildlife Rescue Inc. in Kendalia, Texas, before starting her new position at the Schuylkill Center.

Michelin, 33, became the new director of the Schuylkill Center Wildlife Clinic when it reopened on Nov. 10. She is the first director of the clinic since the controversial firing last January of former director Rick Schubert, who served as director for more than 13 years. Despite this, the new staff and volunteers have been supportive of Michelin’s efforts to maintain the wildlife center.

“I was really excited to get the interview for the job, and once I came down for the in-person interview for the Schuylkill Center, [I felt] that it would be an enormous challenge as there was a lot to be done, but I was excited to take it on, because there was such an extended time since the last iteration,” Michelin said. “I’ve been rebuilding the staff and volunteer center from scratch. I really can’t imagine doing this project without the support of my staff.”

Since its official grand reopening on Feb. 6, Michelin and her staff have been hard at work gathering more volunteers for the clinic. She hopes to double the current number of volunteers by the end of the year.

“The biggest focus right now is to bring in volunteers,” she said. “We have been holding orientations over the past couple of months, and we hope to bring in more volunteers and also launch an internship program for college students.”

Michelin believes that, besides volunteering, there are numerous ways people can help their local wildlife. Preventative action, she feels, is the best solution to solving issues that may arise from trying to care for local wildlife.

“We want to take preventive actions … to solve these issues before they become problems,” Michelin said. “One of the best things to learn is the species in the area. People don’t realize how well animals have developed in urban and suburban areas. Learning about what natural behavior is for animals is extremely important. Once it causes you a problem, you are in the conflicts in wildlife, so addressing those issues that cause the problems is extremely important.”

Along with preventative action, people must also be careful with their approach with animals. Making assumptions about the needs of wildlife can cause more problems for people, Michelin argues.

“We often think about what we can do about animals, and the first though is to put out food,” she explained. “That’s a natural instinct: Food is comforting for us, but is counterproductive to animals. It makes them more attracted to be around people.”

For example, instead of using food substitutes such as peanuts to feed squirrels, Michelin says people should grow oak trees or cherry bushes to give squirrels a natural food source. And if someone cuts down a tree that houses squirrels or birds, they should make alternate housing for these creatures. By doing so, she argues, we can encourage animals’ natural behaviors in the ecosystem rather than relying on human help and intervention.

Michelin is excited to see what the year holds for the wildlife clinic. While there are few events on the horizon for spring and recruiting volunteers is priority, she is prepared to teach visitors and volunteers alike about volunteer rehabilitation.

“One of my earliest roles was as an education coordinator, and I’ve found such an enormous joy in what I do that I love to share it with others who also love wildlife and animals,” Michelin said. “Sharing that with other people has been the best. People would expect that rehabilitating animals and bringing them back is the best part, but seeing the joy of the volunteers and staff is the most rewarding part.”

The Schuylkill Center Wildlife Clinic is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For animal emergencies, call 215-484-8217. For inquiries or non-emergency wildlife questions, email wildlife@schuylkillcenter or call 215-853-6271.