It’s time to look back on 2024! Check our blog between Christmas and New Year’s for a variety of stories and memories of 2024 from the staff and volunteers of the Wildlife Center of Virginia.
During a meeting with my supervisor, Amber, I expressed my interest in spending more time with our veterinary team to better understand their work, build stronger connections, and gain hands-on experience with wildlife intake and handling. Dr. Karra graciously invited me to join the team on November 7th, 2024, for what they referred to as “Turtle Day.”
I was thrilled to receive the invitation, especially since I had no prior experience handling wildlife. Turtles felt like a perfect starting point—calm, approachable, and ideal for someone like me who doesn’t come from an animal care background. Also, I have an irrational fear of raptors, so the thought of starting with turtles was reassuring.
On the morning of my vet day, I arrived at the Center feeling eager and prepared, dressed in comfortable clothing and shoes, ready to work. Dr. Karra and Dr. Miranda greeted me, immediately putting me at ease. I jumped right in by helping to organize medication for patients with Dr. Miranda’s guidance.
Soon, Dr. Miranda mentioned they had several bird patients to attend to first. My heart raced, and I felt my anxiety creeping in, but I was determined not to let it show. As they prepped for the first patient, Dr. Miranda turned to me and asked, “Would you like to hold this crow while I check the bandages, clean the crate, and feed it?”
Without thinking, I heard myself say, “Yes.” It felt like an out-of-body experience—part excitement, part terror. Could I do this? What had I just agreed to do?
We suited up in gloves, glove covers, goggles, and gowns. The amount of PPE alone felt daunting, as though it screamed danger. My throat tightened, but I steadied myself. Dr. Miranda opened the crate and demonstrated how to handle the crow with calm, confident movements. Then, with great care, they handed the bird to me.
“You can hold it by the window,” Dr. Miranda said. “Let it look outside while I clean the crate. That might help reduce its stress.”
My hands trembled slightly as I cradled the crow and shifted toward the window. But as I stood there, something remarkable happened. I looked at the crow—really looked at it. Its dark, glossy eyes, unflinching and ancient. There was a quiet intelligence in its gaze, a resilience that felt both humbling and profound.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized, in that moment, why we do this work. This is why I work so hard in my role—to support our veterinary team and provide the resources needed to help these incredible animals. This is why we push ourselves, why we care so deeply. It’s all connected. This is One Health—a shared responsibility to protect the well-being of animals, humans, and the environment.
When I handed the crow back to Dr. Miranda, my fear had transformed into respect, awe, and gratitude. What had started as a day about turtles ended up being a day about courage and connection—a day I’ll never forget.
— Tamela Osborne, Operations Assistant