Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Cassidy
Hi Julie , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Brandi first started rehabbing wildlife while attending Texas A&M University where she was studying wildlife biology. Mario started working with reptiles rescue after leaving the US Navy. Brandi and Mario formed their rescue, Nature’s Edge Wildlife and Reptile Rescue (NEWRR) in Fort Worth Texas in 2012. Our rescue takes in approx. 2000 animals a year, both wildlife and exotic reptiles. We specialize in predators such as birds of prey, foxes, bobcats, and coyote. We also rehab deer, waterbirds and shore birds, other medium sized mammals such as armadillos and opossums. And of course, reptiles. Both native and exotic.
We also conduct education events at schools, community events, scout/troop events, etc. Bringing a fun and upbeat experience learning about some really cool animals and wildlife conservation.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Rehabbers do not get paid. We do not get state or federal funding. We all operate off of in-kind donations and our own back pockets. Donations to keep the rescue running is always a challenge. From concentrating on care of animals to bringing in enough donations to keep the lights on, bellies full, and wounds tended to. We constantly try and think of new ways to keep the public engaged. One other big challenge all rehabbers have is transport for injured and orphaned wildlife. Rehabbers cannot just drive around all day picking up animals. Otherwise, we would not have time to treat and care for said animals. We take around 80 to 100 plus calls a day during baby season and any time we have big heat waves. That is a lot of animals to find help for. We rely heavily on the public/finders securing and bringing in wildlife to the closest permitted rehabber.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Brandi runs the day to day operations of our rescue. She stays home and takes care of everybody and the constant paperwork/reports to the state and feds. Mario actually works a regular job in the evenings to help support everything else. Remember I said we don’t get paid. All rehabbers work a “normal” day job. In fact, some of us work multiple jobs. Mario and Brandi both work film sets as snake wranglers to keep crews working/filming outside safe during the summer. Mario also teaches snake education classes for Animal controls, police, fire departments, road crews, etc…
How do you think about happiness?
Release day! Nothing makes us smile more than watching that animal that we mended or raised up going for the horizon! Whether it be a bobcat, vulture, or turtle. Nothing is better than seeing all your blood, sweat, and tears making a bee line for the horizon!
Pricing:
- Rehabbers are not paid/charge. Donations are always gladly excepted!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://NEWRR.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturesedgewildliferescue/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Naturesedgewildliferescue
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturesEdgeWildlifeandReptileRescue
- Other: https://linktr.ee/NEWRR
Image Credits
Brandi and Mario Nickerson
