The veterinarian as a guardian: role of veterinary professionals in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation

Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation is an interdisciplinary endeavor that has grown significantly in scope and scientific rigor over the past two decades. Veterinary professionals occupy a central position in this field, providing critical expertise across the entire continuum of care from emergency triage at the rescue site to clinical management, surgical intervention, behavioral conditioning, and final release assessment. This communication examines the multifaceted responsibilities of veterinarians in wildlife rescue operations, discusses the unique clinical challenges posed by wild species, and highlights the broader significance of wildlife veterinary practice in conservation, zoonotic disease surveillance, and ecosystem health monitoring. A deeper understanding of these roles is essential to fostering well-rounded veterinary graduates equipped for wildlife-centric practice.