Philip Jenni—executive director of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota—discusses the history, evolution and current operation of the WRC, one of the nation’s largest and busiest wildlife medical centers. 
Noting the WRC treats upwards of 9000 animals every year—last year, that represented 184 species—Jenni 
explains that every animal that arrives is first seen by a veterinarian, who determines what section of the Center that animal should next be sent to, akin to triage at an emergency room for humans. (The WRC website features a “Critter Ticker,” which loosely resembles a Twitter feed, indicating the kind of animals that arrived each day, and when.) He also notes that the Center is a highly seasonal operation, and they’re in a lighter phase this time of year. Pointing out that the WRC provides singular educational opportunities for veterinary and pre-vet students, Jenni also describes the sprawling volunteer program, where as many as 500 volunteers—in the busiest, peak season—help provide care for the animals that pass through the Center. He also confirms the fundamental goal for these patients is always to release them back into the wild. (www.wrcmn.org, www.facebook.com/WRCMN)
COMEDY CORNER: Matt Braunger’s “Owls—Part One” (http://mattbraunger.com)
MUSIC: Rebekah Pulley’s “Talking Animals Theme,” EELS’ “I Like Birds,” John Vanderslice’s “White Dove”Sons of Hippies’ “Animal Battle,” instrumentals
NAME THAT ANIMAL TUNE: Beatles’ “Rocky Raccoon”
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