The third season of UNTAMED: Life is Wild aired in spring of 2021 and explored challenging wildlife and environmental issues from the perspective of a large wildlife hospital, including concepts such as outdoor ethics, public policy, emerging wildlife diseases, and reconnecting with nature.
This video library offers a compendium of materials that support each episode of UNTAMED, including UNTAMED Unfiltered, the Center's post-episode discussion; videos; learning resources; and worksheets and activities for students who are watching Untamed as a part of classroom learning on biology, natural history, and the environment.
Season 3 Episodes
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From Rescue to Release
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Habitat Islands and Corridors
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Animal Ambassadors
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Conservation and Public Policy
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Outdoor Ethics
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Emerging Wildlife Diseases
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Careers With Wildlife
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Reconnecting with Nature
Episode 301: From Rescue to Release
While the goal of wildlife rehabilitation is to restore wild animals to health and release them back into their natural habitats, it takes incredible efforts from many invested people to reach that goal. From the individual who cared enough to stop and find help for an injured wild animal, to volunteer transporters, wildlife rehabilitators, veterinarians who provide medical assistance, and more—it truly “takes a village” to help a wild animal in need. Learn more about the entire wildlife rehabilitation process that takes place at the Wildlife Center of Virginia, a hospital for wildlife that treats more than 3,000 wild animals each year.
Episode Bonus: Click to view UNTAMED Unfiltered to take a deeper look inside each episode with some of the Center's UNTAMED producers and special guests. In this episode, Amanda and Aaron sit down with front-desk coordinator Connor Gillespie, director of veterinary services Dr. Karra Pierce, and development team leader Kayla Cline to discuss how it “takes a village” to care for wildlife.
Learn More
- Learn more about Bald Eagle #20-0172 and see its return to the wild thanks to Lidia and her family.
- Learn more about how to rescue and transport wildlife in need through the Wildlife Care Academy’s "Introduction to Rescue, Handling, and Transport of Wildlife" class. In Virginia? Sign up to be a volunteer wildlife transporter with the Wildlife Center!
- Interested in getting started in the world of wildlife rehabilitation? Check out our free orientation with the Wildlife Care Academy, then sign up for courses!
- Volunteer with the Wildlife Center of Virginia—in addition to our dedicated transporters around the state, we have opportunities on-site in the veterinary and outreach departments. Interested in a more in-depth hands-on opportunity? Learn more about the Center’s externship training programs here.
- Feeling crafty? The Center has a list of special supplies that are hand-crafted. Tail guards, crate covers, reptariums, and more!
- Donate! Your contribution will help provide life-saving emergency medical care to sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals.
For Classrooms
Take the learning experience for your classroom or student group one step further with our specialized activity packets. These interactive resources combine summative reading sheets with writing and critical thinking exercises related to the topics and themes covered in each UNTAMED episode. Each page is designed to be used individually or as a complete workbook, making this activity packet perfect for educators looking to customize the lessons that can be learned from UNTAMED.
Episode 302: Habitat Islands and Corridors
Habitat islands are areas that contain all the necessities for wildlife to survive and thrive. But too often these islands are not large enough to provide long-term support for the animals who live within. Areas surrounding these islands are not hospitable to wildlife, and wildlife that naturally venture beyond the confines of their habitat islands are often at risk of conflict with humans and human development. The concept of wildlife corridors has become a way to direct animal movement away from, or safely through, dangers caused by humans. As humans continue to dominate the landscape, habitat islands and wildlife corridors will become increasingly necessary for the survival of our many wild species.
This episode won a Silver Telly award in 2022!
Episode Bonus: Join us for UNTAMED Unfiltered to take a deeper look inside each episode with some of the Center's UNTAMED producers and special guests. In this episode, Amanda and Aaron sit down with Devin Floyd of Center for Urban Habitats and Misty Boos of Wild Virginia, both featured in this week's episode of UNTAMED.
Learn More
- Learn more about Untamed guest Dr. Thomas Lovejoy and his work with Institute for a Sustainable Earth at George Mason University
- Read more about the work of Dr. Thomas Lovejoy: Fifty Years in the Amazon, with the Amazon Biodiversity Center
- Learn more about Untamed guest Devin Floyd and his work with Center for Urban Habitats
- Interested in how you can help spotted salamanders in Virginia? Check out Wildlife Tunnels: Safeguarding a Mighty Salamander Migration
- Vernal Pools for Salamanders are important pieces of seasonal habitats for these tiny amphibians. Consider creating a vernal pool or a small wetland on your property!
- Learn more about the identification and natural history of Spotted Salamanders with the Virginia Herpetological Society
- Learn more about Untamed guest Misty Boos and her work with Wild Virginia
- Get involved with the Virginia Safe Wildlife Corridors Collaborative (VSWCC) to create more safe habitat corridors!
- The Wildlife Corridor Action Plan (Virginia) is an important piece of legislation for the state's wildlife.
- The fall is the most dangerous time of year for deer-vehicle collisions in Virginia. Help Prevent Deer-Vehicle Collision with these helpful tips.
- How is human behavior impacting wildlife movement?
- Interested in getting involved with wildlife corridor work in your state? Check out State Wildlife Corridor Legislation, Wildlands Network
For Classrooms
Looking for ideas on how to incorporate the stories and lessons of UNTAMED into the classroom? Habitat Islands and Wildlife Corridors In (About) 2 Minutes highlights the major concepts and ideas explored in this UNTAMED episode and is a quick resource for teachers who want to kick off a discussion.
Take the learning experience for your classroom or student group one step further with our specialized activity packets. These interactive resources combine summative reading sheets with writing and critical thinking exercises related to the topics and themes covered in each UNTAMED episode. Each page is designed to be used individually or as a complete workbook, making this activity packet perfect for educators looking to customize the lessons that can be learned from UNTAMED.
Are you using these materials and resources in your classroom? We are eager to hear from you! Please let us know, so we can share your classroom projects and experiences with other teachers. Contact us at edu@wildlifecenter.org.
Episode 303: Animal Ambassadors
The goal of wildlife rehabilitation is to release healthy, recovered animals back to their natural habitats as fully functioning wild animals. But what happens when animals can’t be released? Sometimes, they may be suitable for a new job: an education ambassador. This episode highlights the selection criteria and welfare considerations that are essential to determine if an animal is a good candidate as an animal ambassador. Wildlife ambassadors play a significant role in education, by connecting people to wildlife and conservation issues and inspiring thousands of people worldwide to take action to protect wildlife.
Episode Bonus: Join us for UNTAMED Unfiltered to take a deeper look inside each episode with some of the Center's UNTAMED producers and special guests. In this episode, Amanda and Aaron sit down with Gail Buhl of Partners For Wildlife/The Raptor Center, Melissa Moore of Peoria Zoo, and Jackie Kozlowski of The Tracy Aviary.
Learn More
- Learn more about Gail Buhl's work with Partners 4 Wildlife, a program of The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota
- Explore more about animal welfare: What are the Five Domains and how do they differ from the Five Freedoms?
- The 2020 Five Domains Model: Including Human–Animal Interactions in Assessments of Animal Welfare
- The 2020 Five Domains Model for Animal Welfare Assessment and Monitoring
- Meet the Wildlife Center of Virginia's Animal Ambassador team! Read their stories and learn the significance of their names.
- Adopt one of the Center's education ambassadors through the Caring for Critters program! Your Caring for Critters donation helps provide food, shelter, and medical care for the sponsored animal, supports the Center’s educational outreach programs, and helps provide state-of-the-art emergency care to thousands of animals admitted to the Wildlife Center each year.
- Review the National Wildlife Rehabilitator Association's Wildlife Educator Code of Ethics
- The Wildlife Center currently has Critter Cams in multiple locations inside the hospital and in outdoor enclosures; we provide three live feeds, often featuring one or more Education Ambassadors. Tune in and see if you can catch a glimpse of Buddy, Maggie, Rosalie, or another ambassador!
- Book an online program with us! Learn more about the Center's work and meet one or more of our education ambassadors.
For Classrooms
Looking for ideas on how to incorporate the stories and lessons of UNTAMED into the classroom? Animal Ambassadors In (About) 2 Minutes highlights the major concepts and ideas explored in this UNTAMED episode and is a quick resource for teachers who want to kick off a discussion.
Take the learning experience for your classroom or student group one step further with our specialized activity packets. These interactive resources combine summative reading sheets with writing and critical thinking exercises related to the topics and themes covered in each UNTAMED episode. Each page is designed to be used individually or as a complete workbook, making this activity packet perfect for educators looking to customize the lessons that can be learned from UNTAMED.
Are you using these materials and resources in your classroom? We are eager to hear from you! Please let us know, so we can share your classroom projects and experiences with other teachers. Contact us at edu@wildlifecenter.org.
Episode 304: Conservation and Public Policy
This episode highlights the importance of policy action on natural resource and conservation issues and highlights some key pieces of conservation legislation. The American system of land and wildlife management is one built on, and for, public involvement. Learn about how these decisions are made and, most importantly, how to get involved.
Episode Bonus: Join us for UNTAMED Unfiltered to take a deeper look inside each episode with some of the Center's UNTAMED producers and special guests. In this episode, Amanda and Aaron sit down with Pedro Ramirez, retired Environmental Contaminants Specialist with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Learn More
- Read more about important legislation — the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA).
- Wildlife is a public resource — read and learn more about the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.
- The first Earth Day was organized in 1970, and "gave a voice to emerging public consciousness about the state of our planet."
- Learn more about the mission and work of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
- Make your voice heard in Virginia! There is an open public comment period on proposed regulation amendments governing hunting, trapping, and terrestrial wildlife, now through May 10, 2021.
- Get to know former Representative Bob Goodlatte, a politician, attorney, and lobbyist who served in the United States House of Representatives representing Virginia's 6th congressional district.
- As discussed in Untamed Unfiltered, learn more about Oil and Gas in the National Wildlife Refuge System, the issue of Bird Mortality in Oil Field Wastewater Disposal Facilities, as well as the challenges for managers in Oil and Gas Wells and Pipelines on U.S. Wildlife Refuges.
For Classrooms
Looking for ideas on how to incorporate the stories and lessons of UNTAMED into the classroom? Conservation and Public Policy In (About) 2 Minutes highlights the major concepts and ideas explored in this UNTAMED episode and is a quick resource for teachers who want to kick off a discussion.
Take the learning experience for your classroom or student group one step further with our specialized activity packets. These interactive resources combine summative reading sheets with writing and critical thinking exercises related to the topics and themes covered in each UNTAMED episode. Each page is designed to be used individually or as a complete workbook, making this activity packet perfect for educators looking to customize the lessons that can be learned from UNTAMED.
Are you using these materials and resources in your classroom? We are eager to hear from you! Please let us know, so we can share your classroom projects and experiences with other teachers. Contact us at edu@wildlifecenter.org.
Episode 305: Outdoor Ethics
Spending time outside and connecting with nature and wildlife can be a great joy for many people. That privilege of being outdoors comes with a great responsibility: learning and abiding by a proper set of “outdoor ethics.” This episode highlights a variety of ways that recreationists can minimize their effects on wildlife and the environment. A positive outdoor ethic means always remembering you are a guest in the homes of wild animals and always respecting their space.
Episode Bonus: Join us for UNTAMED Unfiltered to take a deeper look inside each episode with some of the Center's UNTAMED producers and special guests. In this episode, Amanda and Aaron sit down with development associate Marley Crawford and former outreach staff member Raina DeFonza.
Learn More
- Learn more about Leave No Trace (LNT), including the Seven Principles of LNT and how to get more involved in your local chapter.
- Explore the National Park Service and find a park near you! Live in Virginia? Explore our own beautiful Shenandoah National Park.
- Are you an angler? Learn more about Trout Unlimited's mission of fishing, conservation, and community. In the area? Visit special guest Tommy Lawhorn's South River Fly Shop. And learn more about fishing in Virginia with the Department of Wildlife Resources.
- Read the American Birding Association's Code of Birding Ethics, and explore their website for other birding resources, including books and podcasts.
- Birding in Virginia? Check out the Virginia Society of Ornithology for more local resources and field trips.
- Learn more about the message of the apple core. And don't just take our word for it -- check out this Popular Science article: Once you know what happens to food you leave outdoors, you’ll stop doing it.
- As discussed on UNTAMED Unfiltered, learn more about the problems with rock-stacking in these three articles:
For Classrooms
Looking for ideas on how to incorporate the stories and lessons of UNTAMED into the classroom? Outdoor Ethics In (About) 2 Minutes highlights the major concepts and ideas explored in this UNTAMED episode and is a quick resource for teachers who want to kick off a discussion.
Take the learning experience for your classroom or student group one step further with our specialized activity packets. These interactive resources combine summative reading sheets with writing and critical thinking exercises related to the topics and themes covered in each UNTAMED episode. Each page is designed to be used individually or as a complete workbook, making this activity packet perfect for educators looking to customize the lessons that can be learned from UNTAMED.
Are you using these materials and resources in your classroom? We are eager to hear from you! Please let us know, so we can share your classroom projects and experiences with other teachers. Contact us at edu@wildlifecenter.org.
Episode 306: Emerging Wildlife Diseases
Where do diseases come from? How are they spread? This episode examines a variety of emerging wildlife diseases, with an emphasis on the One Health concept. While some disease outbreaks may be “natural”, human behaviors and influences are adding additional pressure on wildlife and the landscape, and in the end, all of us – humans, wildlife, and the environment – are affected. Learn more about the field of emerging wildlife diseases and the continually evolving research on what those diseases tell us.
Episode Bonus: Join us for UNTAMED Unfiltered to take a deeper look inside each episode with some of the Center's UNTAMED producers and special guests. In this episode, Amanda and Aaron sit down with Dr. Camille Hopkins with the USGS, and our own Dr. Sarah Sirica.
Learn More
- Interested in the One Health concept? Check out our One Health episode from Season 2 of UNTAMED! Explore an entire episode on the concept, watch UNTAMED Unfiltered, and dive deeper into more One Health resources.
- Learn more about the special guests in this episode: Dr. Camille Hopkins with the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area, Dr. Megan Kirchgessner with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, and Dr. Justin Brown with Penn State's Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences.
- As mentioned in UNTAMED Unfiltered, take a very deep dive into Why Bother About Wildlife Disease? by USGS National Wildlife Health Center's Milton Friend.
- Learn more about zoonotic diseases from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Learn more about WILD-ONe (Wildlife Incident Log/Database and Online Network), the Wildlife Center's online system for patient management and data analysis designed for wildlife rehabilitators and wildlife health monitoring professionals.
- Interested in learning about some of the emerging diseases mentioned in this episode? Snake Fungal Disease (SFD), Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), White-Nose Syndrome (WNS), and West Nile Virus (WNV) are just a few of the diseases that many wildlife professionals deal with on a regular basis.
- Many agencies in Virginia work together to monitor emerging diseases, including the Department of Wildlife Resources, Virginia Department of Health, and Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Additional agencies such as the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study are vital in researching broader-scale wildlife diseases in larger regions.
For Classrooms
Take the learning experience for your classroom or student group one step further with our specialized activity packets. These interactive resources combine summative reading sheets with writing and critical thinking exercises related to the topics and themes covered in each UNTAMED episode. Each page is designed to be used individually or as a complete workbook, making this activity packet perfect for educators looking to customize the lessons that can be learned from UNTAMED.
Are you using these materials and resources in your classroom? We are eager to hear from you! Please let us know, so we can share your classroom projects and experiences with other teachers. Contact us at edu@wildlifecenter.org.
Episode 307: Careers With Wildlife
The range of career paths that lead to working with wildlife is about as varied as the actual wildlife all around us. This episode features several different people working with or for wildlife, highlighting a collection of stories from their daily lives. Learn more about how to find a career — or volunteer job! — in this field, including the range of backgrounds and education paths that can lead people to work with wildlife. Even with a diversity of people, organizations and agencies, roles and responsibilities, a number of these professionals work together for a common goal of helping protect wildlife and the environment.
Episode Bonus: Join us for UNTAMED Unfiltered to take a deeper look inside each episode with some of the Center’s UNTAMED producers and special guests. In this episode, Amanda and Aaron sit down with our own veterinary intern Dr. Cameron Berg, wildlife rehabilitation intern Ben Cole, and Brie Hashem, director of Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary.
Learn More
- Interested in test-driving a career in wildlife medicine? The Wildlife Center has many different training opportunities, including veterinary externships for fourth-year veterinary students, veterinary technician externships, wildlife rehabilitation externships and internships, and training opportunities in outreach and education. There are also a variety of volunteer positions available!
- Interested in a more academic approach to wildlife rehabilitation, medicine, and outreach? Check out our online courses at the Wildlife Care Academy!
- Whether working in wildlife medicine, rehabilitation, education, and/or conservation, the general advice from experts in this field is to get hands-on experience and get to know the professionals who are working in the areas in which you want to be involved! We have a number of resources compiled for students seeking advice on how to get started. Many of these pieces focus on current and former staff members at the Wildlife Center.
- Learn more about the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, including ways to get involved. Learn more about the Conservation Police Officer program, as well as the K9 program, including Officer Sky and her K9 co-workers! Watch these videos to see more of biologist Katie Martin at work, as well as Officer Howald and K9 school.
- Learn more about Nick Nichols and his career as a wildlife photographer at National Geographic. Nick's decades-long career is widely known and respected; watch more to learn about Nick and his career.
For Classrooms
Take the learning experience for your classroom or student group one step further with our specialized activity packets. These interactive resources combine summative reading sheets with writing and critical thinking exercises related to the topics and themes covered in each UNTAMED episode. Each page is designed to be used individually or as a complete workbook, making this activity packet perfect for educators looking to customize the lessons that can be learned from UNTAMED.
Are you using these materials and resources in your classroom? We are eager to hear from you! Please let us know, so we can share your classroom projects and experiences with other teachers. Contact us at edu@wildlifecenter.org.
Episode 308: Reconnecting with Nature
The season finale emphasizes the importance of getting outside and cultivating a relationship with nature. While there is an increasing divide between people and the outdoors, we know that deep connections with nature are important to a human’s well-being. Why do we need this connection? What do nature and wildlife do for us? Join us to hear from a variety of nature enthusiasts on how and why they relate to nature, and how we can help others continue to grow and develop their relationships with the outdoor world.
Episode Bonus: Join us for UNTAMED Unfiltered to take a deeper look inside each episode with some of the Center's UNTAMED producers and special guests. In this very special live episode, Amanda and Aaron sit down with fellow staff members at the Wildlife Center of Virginia!
Episode Bonus: This special bonus episode of UNTAMED Unfiltered, hosted by Aaron, highlights the next generation of environmental education and conservation communications. Join us as we chat with Ally Gran, National Park Service Educational and Interpretive Park Ranger, and Sean Washington, Martin Park Nature Center Parks Outreach Coordinator, as we discuss the importance of helping others to connect with nature both now and into the future.
Learn More
Read more of Jamie Reaser's poetry, including Untamed, the piece written specifically for this episode! One of Jamie's collections, Wild Life, features several pieces inspired by animals at the Wildlife Center of Virginia.
- Looking to spend time outside in Virginia? Plan your trip to Shenandoah National Park. Not close to Virginia? Check out some of SNP's online opportunities, including the Virtual Junior Ranger program or one of their online hikes or tours.
- What is Nature Deficit Disorder? Learn more here from Richard Louv.
- Get to know more about Dr. Mamie Parker, her career as regional director for her work with the US Fish & Wildlife Service, and her incredible work leading the way for women in conservation. Learn more about International Park Prescription (ParkRx) Day and #NatureForAll.
- Looking for more ideas on connecting with nature? Our programs this month reflect on Mental Health Awareness and the importance of our connections with the outdoor world. Check the event calendar for upcoming programs, or watch back on the programs that have taken place so far this month: our interview with Grizel Caminas, National Drawing Day with Kayla and Maggie, and Connecting Nature & Yoga with Jackie.
For Classrooms
Take the learning experience for your classroom or student group one step further with our specialized activity packets. These interactive resources combine summative reading sheets with writing and critical thinking exercises related to the topics and themes covered in each UNTAMED episode. Each page is designed to be used individually or as a complete workbook, making this activity packet perfect for educators looking to customize the lessons that can be learned from UNTAMED.
Are you using these materials and resources in your classroom? We are eager to hear from you! Please let us know, so we can share your classroom projects and experiences with other teachers. Contact us at edu@wildlifecenter.org.