About

Tax ID # 22-3184384

The New Jersey Association of Wildlife Rehabilitators (NJAWR) began with a meeting between licensed New Jersey wildlife rehabilitators and representatives of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife (NJDF&W) to discuss issues directly affecting the rehabilitation community. Incorporated as a non-profit organization the following year (1991), NJAWR continues to serve as an excellent resource for information and educational opportunities for wildlife rehabilitators and many other individuals working in related fields.

OUR MISSION

  • Encourage professionalism and standardization within the field of wildlife rehabilitation.
  • Provide proper and timely dissemination of information among all persons handling wildlife.
  • Offer workshops, seminars and newsletters providing up-to-date information on wildlife care, policy changes, new products, new techniques and many other topics pertinent to the handling of wildlife.
  • Ensure that all groups handling wildlife are doing so with the best information available.

Officers and Directors

President:
Michael O’Malley

Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford, NJ

Vice President:
Heather Freeman

Woodlands Wildlife Refuge, Pittstown, NJ

Treasurer:
Maki Murakami

Secretary:
Lori Swanson

Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford, NJ

Melody Kramm

Wildlife Rehabilitation Apprentice

Woodlands Wildlife Refuge, Pittstown, NJ

Directors:
Jane Rakos-Yates

Mercer County Wildlife Center, Titusville,NJ

Melissa Anahory

Woodlands Wildlife Refuge, Pittstown, NJ

Kelsey Lawler

Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford, NJ

Heather Evans

Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford, NJ

Keith Clayton

Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford, NJ

Advisors & Volunteers

Board Advisors

Tracy Leaver – Woodlands Wildlife Refuge

Diane Nickerson – Mercer County Wildlife Center

Cathy Malok – The Raptor Trust

Volunteers

Kim Nagelhout – NJAWR Newsletter Editor

Achievements

Relocation Policy
NJAWR has successfully worked with the NJDF&W to develop the relocation policy for rabies vector and other species. This change expands the choices in selecting properly suited release sites while ensuring the safety and protection of both the animal and the general public.

Licensing Requirement Standards
To enhance professionalism within the field of wildlife rehabilitation, and to help providing the best possible care to the animals, NJAWR has worked to establish minimum standards and guidelines for acquiring and renewing state permits.

Sub-Permittee
The creation of a sub-permittee category increases the rehabilitator’s ability to assist more animals.

Apprentice Program
The apprentice program is designed to provide training and guidance for persons interested in becoming licensed NJ wildlife rehabilitators.

Lectures and Workshops
Lectures and workshops are offered in the spring and fall. Qualified speakers present the latest information available on a variety of topics related to wildlife issues. All rehabilitators and other interested persons including veterinarians, vet techs, Animal Control Officers, pest control operators and volunteers are encouraged to attend.

Annual Roundtable
A Roundtable is offered in the fall of each year to discuss the latest wildlife trends, diseases, viruses, and other topics of interest to the rehabilitation community.

Rehabilitator Directory
NJAWR has worked with the NJDF&W to develop a comprehensive annual listing of all active, NJ licensed wildlife rehabilitators. The directory provides information organized by last name, county and species and is an excellent source of information for the general public, police departments, animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, and for persons interested in locating rehabilitators who offer apprentice or volunteer programs.

Professional Representation
In the past, wildlife rehabilitators played an important, but virtually unknown, role in working with and preserving New Jersey’s wildlife resources. As a formal organization with a growing membership, NJAWR brings recognition to our work and provides a strong voice for our concerns.