The Wild Life : A day at the Wildlife Center

Naturally curious, one of 16 black bears finds not just an apple hidden in a hole but a human just beyond after staff cleaned out half of the large mammal isolation enclosure where it currently resides at the Wildlife Center of Virginia on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013.

by Mike Tripp / The News Leader

When it comes to the Wildlife Center of Virginia in Waynesboro, animals often capture all the public attention. With good reason — people enjoy stories of the eagles, black bears and other wildlife they treat.

But what of the people behind the scenes who tend to the needs of these animals, day in and day out?

On Oct 20, 2013, I was able to spent a day at the center. Through images, I offer a glimpse of what it takes to care for these animals that need human help to survive.

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Working at the Wildlife Center

A certified wildlife rehabilitator, Dr. Kelli Knight talks about her time working at the Wildlife Center of Virginia.

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Caring for 16+ black bears

The staff of the Wildlife Center of Virginia cares for 16+ black bears. Although labor intensive, it’s a task they enjoy … even as they keep their distance to minimize human exposure.