When we took the veterinary oath to treat sick animals or relieve their suffering, it became immediately apparent that this promise could not be limited to companion animals. We are blessed to live in an area with an abundance of some of the most beautiful and amazing creatures. From Bald Eagles to pelicans, to the Red Tailed Fox to dolphins to alligators, the list goes on and on. Because of this dedication to all animals in need, we  have developed a reputation for caring for the wildlife here on the Outer Banks. Our clinic is committed to take in any wildlife animal that can reach our doors and render veterinary care at no cost. Donations to help defray the costs are welcome.

Dr Grossman holds a juvenile Bald Eagle that injured its clavicle bone. The bird was released weeks after brought to the clinic.  

The wildlife get here anyway they can. At right, veterinary assistant Mariel shows off a seagull that arrived in a Fed Ex box.
 

Sarah holds a 5 foot alligator that was brought to the clinic after getting caught in some sort of grease. The gator was bathed, treated, and released. (left)





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 Jackie holds a very active Green Sea Turtle. These turtles get accidentally blown outside the warm Gulf current and into colder waters where they get "Cold Stunned". In their stunned state, they drift right up onto our local beaches and brought to our clinic by volunteers and wildlife employees.  After some gentle warming and symptomatic care, these guys are released back into the warm Gulf.

This 3-4 month old Black Bear was chased up a tree by some dogs in Mann's Harbor. A concerned local captured the bear and brought him into our clinic.  Katie S gently holds the cuddly cub.  The next day, this baby was released to the NC Wildlife commission who will make sure he gets to the correct rehabber and finally safely released.  Still being a child at heart, Dr G couldn't give up the opportunity to hold this marvelous work of nature either.

 Things can get interesting at the clinic when big Loggerheads decide they're feeling better and can move about. The two (below right) got caught outside the warm Gulf Stream and made it to our clinic for triage then a trip back out to the gulf. (1/18/10)

The loggerheads below left were part of a group of 30 that became stranded on Ocracoke the weekend of 2/8/10. It took volunteers from N.E.S.T (Network for Endangered Sea Turtles), the Marine Mammal Strandings volunteers, and several North and South Carolina aquariums to save the turtles. Here they "wait" their turn to get weighed so they can be properly dosed with their medication.

Below Star, gently hold a Trumpeter Swan that arrived with a sprained elbow joint. With a few weeks rest this magnificent bird will be released back to the Pea Island Refuge from where it was found.                           

Dr Barney (below) handles this very young Great Horned Owl who was found on the road in Wanchese after strong winds blew the baby out of its nest.

Shannon (below rt) our future veterinarian student volunteer, loves cradling this Sea Gull for treatment as she rests at the clinic for a few days prior to release.   

 Melissa (below left) our practice manage and LVT, holds a Great Horned Owl after its broken wing gets splinted. The owl was sent to a wildlife rehabilitator to heal and be released after it can safely fly again.                                                                                   

  Being the veterinarians for the Return To the Wild Red Wolf Project located on Alligator River Refuge, sometimes makes for some cool and unusual tasks.  Below left, Dr Braney begins the surgery to place a radio tracking transducer into a young wolf's abdomen. With the transducer in place, the Wildlife Specialists can track and monitor the wolf's movements. The better we understand them the more we can help support and increase their population. Below right, Dr Barney prepares to lower the transducer into the abdomen.
And finally, the transducer is correctly placed.