Some volunteers are amazed to work this closely with wildlife and get a sense of awe being in the presence of an owl. Others want to give something back to the natural world after seeing how the human population is affecting the environment. Others are here to learn about wildlife medicine so that they can gain a true introduction to the field. While others want a sense of community and belonging with others who care about wildlife and the environment. It is a tremendous place filled with dedicated and compassionate people.
The Magic of Tufts Wildlife Clinic Draws in Volunteers
Student volunteers like Daniel Cui, A26 explore a career in veterinary medicine while helping out at TWC
“Bald eagles have become a common sight for me. I never thought I would say that. Seeing someone walk down the hall with an eagle in their arms is a regular Wednesday for me.”
—Daniel Cui, A26
Since 1983, Tufts Wildlife Clinic (TWC) has been the destination for those who find injured, sick, or orphaned wildlife—from box turtles to beavers to bear cubs. More than 4,100 wildlife patients have been treated at TWC so far this year, mainly birds and mammals, with a mix of reptiles and amphibians.
TWC is run by a small crew—two faculty veterinarians, a program administrator, a staff of one veterinary technician, two ward attendants, two part-time program assistants, two veterinary interns, one part-time veterinarian, and several rotating fourth-year students—with the help of many enthusiastic volunteers.
“The volunteers play a pivotal role in keeping the clinic functioning on a day-to-day basis,” says Whitney Stiehler, program administrator of TWC in the Department of Infectious Disease & Global Health at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. “The volunteers are crucial to the overall operations of the clinic, and their generosity and selfless donation of their time allow our doctors and staff to focus on the medical needs of the patients and provide the essential teaching needed for our veterinary students.”
Designated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a regional facility to care for threatened and endangered species, TWC has grown significantly over the years. Located in the Bernice Barbour Wildlife Building on the Cummings School campus, TWC encompasses a series of rooms and enclosures designed for various species of animals, from the carnivore ward to the pool room to a nursery, and several flight cages of different sizes outside of the main building.
The volunteers that help maintain the space and care for the animals include a mix of undergraduates, veterinary students outside of rotations, and retirees, among others.
“Some volunteers are amazed to work this closely with wildlife and get a sense of awe being in the presence of an owl,” says Stiehler. “Others want to give something back to the natural world after seeing how the human population is affecting the environment. Others are here to learn about wildlife medicine so that they can gain a true introduction to the field. Others want a sense of community and belonging with others who care about wildlife and the environment. It is a tremendous place filled with dedicated and compassionate people.”
While all fourth-year veterinary students at Cummings School rotate through TWC to gain training in wildlife medicine, undergraduate students considering careers as veterinarians find volunteering at TWC a great opportunity to experience the field.
One of those volunteers is Daniel Cui, A26 (he/him). An undergraduate at Tufts University, Cui started volunteering at TWC last spring. With a double major in biology and art, he is a member of the Pre-Veterinary Society and the Boxing Club at Tufts, and plans on veterinary school after graduation.
Cui’s first pet was a French bulldog named Stella. During one of Stella’s check-ups, Cui was struck by the joy the veterinarian took in his work—and in Stella, first flipping her over and giving her kisses before starting the exam. Cui’s interest in animals and animal science ignited.
He volunteered at the East Valley Animal Shelter near where he grew up in Los Angeles, taking care of the dogs, cats, and rabbits, and later enrolled in a small animal summer program at Cornell University. He found learning about physiology, anatomy, infectious disease, and laboratory work intriguing.
“That’s why I chose Tufts, for both the science and art programs,” says Cui.
Stella’s veterinarian told Cui about Tufts Wildlife Clinic, and he applied to be a volunteer. Cui started up at TWC last April, the spring of his sophomore year at Tufts, and spent two to three days a week at the clinic over the summer and now once a week to fit into his class schedule. He will continue volunteering at TWC until he graduates in 2026.
“Daniel is a star,” says Stiehler. “From the moment I met him during his interview, I was impressed with his enthusiasm, positivity, intelligence, maturity, and genuineness. He inspires me and gives me hope that the next generation of wildlife conservationists will be spectacular. He is always willing to do anything asked of him, even if it is cleaning up after several rambunctious bear cubs!”
The volunteers’ role is to feed and provide enrichment for the animals and do many of the “non-glorious” tasks at the clinic—cleaning enclosures, setting up and breaking down cages, laundry, sweeping, and mopping. “Doing these tasks ensures that the sick and injured wildlife at the clinic receive the best care possible while the animals are recovering,” says Stiehler.
Cui and the other volunteers check in on the animals’ well-being too—observing patients’ dispositions and energy levels, weighing leftover food to ensure they are eating enough, looking over the pellets of hawks and owls—and letting the clinicians know if anything is amiss.
“We’re the eyes and ears of the staff when they can’t get around,” says Cui.
Volunteers accompany the veterinary students and staff on rounds and learn quite a bit about veterinary medicine in general. Recently, the staff discussed the ongoing outbreak of avian flu, how it has spread through the states, and the potential implications of animals like pigs contracting the disease and passing it along to humans. Cui absorbs all he can from the veterinarians, veterinary technicians, students, and other volunteers at TWC.
“Working here, you hear the good and tough aspects of being a vet,” says Cui. “Learning from veterinary students shifted my perspective on my approach towards work, what I’m curious about, the impact you can make as a veterinarian and different areas of expertise. I’m more open-minded. Before, I was thinking about clinical small animal practice; now I know there’s so much more for me to explore.”
Volunteering at a hub of wildlife conservation efforts also exposes students to the broader field beyond TWC. Serving such a large population of New England wildlife, TWC works closely with wildlife rehabilitation organizations and is a resource for those seeking information on wildlife health, including public, state, and federal agencies, in addition to other experts in the field. TWC also works with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) and frequently treats species monitored by MassWildlife, such as peregrine falcons. The clinic is heavily involved in wildlife research, including exposure to rodenticides among birds of prey, lead poisoning in loons, and avian influenza, in collaboration with the Runstadler Lab at Cummings School.
The awe of it all that Stiehler described is not lost on Cui either. Seeing red-tailed hawks released back into the wild, watching eagles have leg bands placed prior to release, and observing surgeries are all novel and fascinating experiences for him.
“I grew up seeing cats and dogs—everything I see and work with at TWC is a new species,” says Cui. “It’s so rewarding to understand these creatures and get a glimpse of the personality of a Canada goose or a beaver. I love the breadth of it all, the spontaneous moments. The attitude the clinic instilled in me is that even if it seems daunting, go in with a positive attitude, and it will be rewarding.”
With such a small staff at TWC, Stiehler says that everyone is treated like family. Cui agrees, “I wouldn’t love it so much without the community. It’s very special and tight-knit, a space that I’m happy to go to.”
Exploring Grafton, the parks, hiking trails, and town, has also left an impact on Cui, especially coming from a city. Volunteering at Tufts Wildlife Clinic has changed his outlook on many aspects of his life, even the themes of nature that are coming through in his artwork.
“I hope that TWC has inspired Daniel to pursue wildlife medicine or a similar conservation or environmental profession,” says Stiehler. “I believe Daniel would be a spectacular addition to our field. I love that the clinic can inspire and help students like Daniel find their path in life, and I believe that TWC can be a great place for anyone, especially students, to experience along their journey.”
Tufts Wildlife Clinic
For 40 years, Tufts Wildlife Clinic has treated orphaned, injured, and sick wildlife, and collaborated with other agencies as needed to release rehabilitated animals back into the wild. The clinic treats some 3,500 patients each year.