·         A wildlife educator should strive to achieve high standards of animal care and programming through knowledge and training.

·         A wildlife educator should acknowledge limitations and enlist the assistance of a veterinarian or other trained professionals when appropriate.

·         A wildlife educator should respect other educators and persons in related fields, sharing skills and knowledge in the spirit of cooperation for the welfare of the animals.

·         The physical and mental well-being of each animal should be a primary consideration in management and presentation.

·         A wildlife educator should strive to provide professional and humane care for the animals in their care, respecting the wildness and maintaining the dignity of each animal in life and in death.

·         Non-releasable animals, which are inappropriate for education, foster parenting, or captive breeding have a right to euthanasia.                                                         

·         A wildlife educator must abide by local, state, provincial, and federal laws concerning wildlife and associated activities. Animals must be legally acquired with proper documentation. Animals transferred must go to legal and reputable facilities or individuals.

·         A wildlife educator should establish safe work habits and conditions, abiding by current health and safety practices at all times.

·         A wildlife educator should encourage community support and involvement through public education. The common goal should be to promote a responsible concern for living beings and the welfare of the environment.

·         A wildlife educator should work on the basis of sound ecological principles, incorporating appropriate conservation ethics and an attitude of stewardship.

·         A wildlife educator should conduct all business and activities in a professional manner, with honesty, integrity, compassion, and commitment, realizing that an individual's conduct reflects on the entire field of wildlife and environmental education.

From Wildlife in Education: A Guide for the Care and Use of Program Animals, First Edition
Copyright National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, 2004

Photo Credit: Lynne Brookes, B&M Ehresman