#102: From Rescues to Releases: Wildlife Rehabilitation Interview with Joey of the Jungle

Stephanie Manka

Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. is a wildlife biologist with 20 years of experience in mammal ecology and conservation, education, and outreach. Read her story to find out how she went from the daughter of a jeweler to a Ph.D. in wildlife biology.

posted on
December 13, 2023

I have so many followers interested in careers in wildlife rehabilitation so I am especially excited about this week’s episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast. I sat down with veterinarian nurse and wildlife rehabilitator, Joey Solimine AKA Joey of the Jungle.

Or listen on Apple, Spotify, or Stitcher podcasts.

Joey is not your average adventurer – she travels all over Central and South America volunteering at different wildlife rehabilitation centers taking care of animals that have been injured, trafficked, and rescued with the hopes that they can be released back into the wild. She’s the founder of Jungle Rescue Reform, an initiative dedicated to bringing attention and support to smaller rehabilitation centers throughout Central and South America so that they can more effectively take care of wildlife.

In this episode, Joey and I discuss everything from the day-to-day life at wildlife facilities to the nitty-gritty details of vet tech/nurse work. We dive into Joey’s extensive background, exploring her experiences in veterinary medicine and wildlife rehabilitation and the incredible stories she’s gathered from her travels.

Throughout our conversation, you’ll gain valuable insights about the industry, learn about different aspects of the job, and be inspired by Joey’s commitment to making a difference. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to embark on a career in wildlife rehabilitation, this episode is your backstage pass.

Specifically, we discussed:

Joey’s background leading to becoming a vet nurse and wildlife rehab volunteer
What the day-to-day life of a wildlife rehabilitation volunteer is like
What it’s like to work as a vet nurse
The wildlife trafficking problem and how animals end up in rehab centers
The problems wildlife rehabilitation centers can face
Tips for finding ethical wildlife rehabilitation organizations
The mission of Joey’s organization Jungle Rescue Reform
Amazing rescue stories about animals like tapirs
Opportunities to contribute with Joey and learn more about rehabilitation centers in Central and South America
And MORE!!