SPOTLIGHT ON

nebraska wildlife rehab

“We work with additional schools by request, too,” Stastny said. “We also have our own high school science academy, which brings real-life biological field experience to students before they enter college. Our university internship program will be accepting 24 interns this summer, as well.”

Currently, the organization is working on a new collaboration with Omaha Public Schools. One of the projects that high-schoolers will assist with is growing and planting four native Nebraska gardens at the center.

In the past, the organization has worked with Film Streams, the Joslyn Art Museum and many other conservation-minded organizations. Additionally, Nebraska Wildlife Rehab is the wildlife partner for the Nebraska Humane Society.

Stastny said educating the public on wildlife is a critical piece of the puzzle.

“A lot of people might think, ‘Why save a squirrel? There are so many of them already.’ The most important thing we tell people is that more than 90 percent of animals that enter our care are injured, ill or orphaned due to human action—either intentional or unintentional,” Stastny said. “Most incidents involve lawn mowers, cars, or people finding animals and trying to help them when they don’t need help. Many attempt to trap and relocate, which actually kills the majority of them, and it’s illegal in Nebraska. Another reason animals enter our facility is due to animal cruelty. We’re not interfering with nature, but balancing the scale because of the impact humans have on natural ecosystems and wildlife.”

Supportive community

A generous donor base and a caring community have kept the organization thriving.

“This center is more than what we could have ever hoped for,” Stastny said. “Our donors have been so generous as to give us one of the best facilities in the country. And now, it’s up to us to use the facility to its full potential. And I think, of course, we should be doing this in Omaha, in Nebraska. Not only do the animals deserve to have advocates working for them, but the people of Nebraska deserve a resource and the opportunity to learn more and do more for our environment.”

Teaching others about wildlife, especially people with preconceived notions, and “watching the lightbulb go off” is one of Stastny’s all-time favorite parts of the job. However, there’s one other moment that makes the top of the list.

“The day the animal is released is, hands-down, the most rewarding aspect for us,” Stastny said. “We’re here to do everything we can to get wild animals who were injured, mostly due to human action, back into the wild so they can live the life they deserve.”

Even when the hours are long, the work is dirty or smelly and the situations can be absolutely heartbreaking, Stastny said there is no other profession she would rather be doing—especially in such a one-ofa-kind community.

“We wouldn’t be anywhere near where we are today without the generosity of our donors and those who allow us to do our work,” Stastny said. “We are looking forward to collaborating with the community moving forward, not only in Omaha, but across the state of Nebraska.”