CHAMPAIGN, Ill (WAND) - The Wildlife Medical Clinic (WMC) at the University of Illinois' Veterinary Medicine Clinic is a nonprofit organization. As part of their work, the team at the clinic takes in injured, native wild animals and helps them recover.Â
Often, the team can help the animals heal and release them back into the wild. But sometimes, their injuries are too severe. In this situation, the team keeps the animal at the clinic and uses them as ambassadors.Â
"They wouldn't be able to survive in the wild if they were released," said Sydney Oliveira, Program Coordinator for WMC. "So we give them that permanent home, and they have a job while they're here and can exhibit some of those natural behaviors and show people just how cool they are and how important they are in the wild."Â
The ambassador animals travel to school classrooms or events to help educate the community about the strengths and necessity of local animals. The team makes sure people know these animals are not pets, and you must have certain qualifications or training to keep them at your home.Â
Many of their ambassadors are large birds that have injuries to their wings or struggle with mobility. For the ones that can fly, volunteers show the speed and agility of Illinois' native birds.Â
"We're kind of selective with which animals we choose," Oliveira said. "They need to be really comfortable around people, so we don't want an animal that's going to be stressed if it is stuck in captivity like that."Â
A recent addition to the ambassador team has been especially popular. Pesto the opossum has captured many hearts with his cute face and lack of a tail.Â
"AÂ lot of people think opossums look like a giant rat, so they get a bad rap," Oliveira said. "So we love taking him out, and letting people get to know him and get to realize how important possums are in the wild."
For more information about the wildlife ambassador program and the ambassadors, you can visit their website.Â
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