What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 6pm Tuesday 8am - 6pm Wednesday 8am - 6pm Thursday 8am - 6pm Friday 8am - 6pm

The Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital at Cornell University

Home
United States
Ithaca, NY
The Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital at Cornell University

Cornell University's Janet L.

Swanson Wildlife Hospital provides exceptional veterinary care for native wildlife, innovative wildlife health research, and training for future wildlife veterinarians.

09/20/2024

Dr. Sara Sokolik performed this research project during her internship at the Swanson Wildlife Hospital. Her work furthers our knowledge about the unique biology of porcupines and their quills. She certainly is the "bee's knees"!

09/11/2024

Finding an injured wild animal is a surprising and often confusing event. What do I do? Who do I call?

Securing the animal is one of the first steps, if possible, while considering safety as a top priority (both the animal's safety, and YOUR safety).

We often receive animals contained in pretty imaginative ways, using whatever is on hand at the moment, so that they can be brought to the hospital for care.

One simple way to prepare is to equip your vehicle with an animal rescue kit - nothing fancy, just a cardboard box (like the Saranac box this painted turtle is in), a towel and a pair of gardening or work gloves.

Do not hesitate to reach out to a local wildlife rehabilitator or wildlife hospital for guidance if you are unsure of what to do! We can help determine the best course of action and guide you through getting the animal to where it can receive the care it needs.

09/04/2024

Just in time for and a new academic year for 🐻, is this young female black bear. She was found thin and weak in Ulster County, NY, and initially cared for by a local wildlife rehabilitator. At the Swanson Wildlife Hospital, we found many large wounds on both of her hind legs, that resulted in discomfort, infection, and difficulty walking. Thankfully there were no bone fractures associated with the wounds. She has a long road ahead of her to regain strength and heal her wounds, but she is already doing a great job taking all of her medication in her food each day. See a video in the comments of her shifting to a clean cage in the morning to have her breakfast (and medicine!).

09/01/2024

You may have seen some recent articles in the news about cases of West Nile virus in people. Did you know that some species of birds can also get sick from West Nile virus? For most of August, our hospital cages have been filled with hawks, owls and crows that are very ill from infection with this virus, like the young red-tailed hawk in this photo.

When West Nile virus is circulating at higher levels like it is now, you can help protect yourself by wearing mosquito repellant and eliminating stagnant water sources outside that could be breeding grounds for mosquitoes (which transmit the virus).

The Swanson Wildlife Hospital gathers important information from our West Nile virus patients and uses it to increase our knowledge about how the virus affects birds and how we can improve their treatment and survival. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/about-us/news/20220622/cornell-documents-first-crows-survive-deadly-west-nile-virus

08/28/2024

We cannot remember a time when we have had three peregrine falcons in the hospital at the same time! The peregrine falcon is listed as an endangered species in New York State, and they are not common patients at the Wildlife Hospital. Peregrines #1 and #2 both have a small fractured bone at the tip of one wing - peregrine #1 had surgery recently, and peregrine #2 will have surgery this week. Peregrine #3 is a recent arrival, and was burned by a methane flare at a landfill and could not fly or find food - it is in poor condition, and will receive very close attention over the next few days.

08/24/2024

We enjoyed working with 6 fantastic veterinary technician student preceptors this summer. They energized us with their enthusiasm and were a joy to teach and work with. Primarily mentored by our amazing licensed veterinary technicians (LVTs), they learned how to provide nursing care to wild animal patients. In this photo, preceptor Victoria Keener (right) assists with monitoring an eastern screech owl under anesthesia, with the guidance of LVT Maia Prescott. Victoria recently graduated from the veterinary technology program at Bergen Community College in New Jersey. The preceptors are now equipped with the knowledge and skills they can use to help wildlife in their future careers, and we wish them the best of luck!

08/16/2024

In a more rare case of fishing gear entanglement, this northern water snake had monofilament line wrapped around her neck, resulting in a large laceration in the skin. This week she was anesthetized and a surgery was performed to repair the wound. We also found that this snake is a pregnant female, and an ultrasound showed many active heartbeats. Our goal will be to get this soon-to-be mom healed and back out to the wild as soon as possible, where she can give birth to the baby snakes in a suitable habitat.

08/08/2024

Warbler species can be challenging to identify - so many variations that often look similar. From a medical standpoint, species identification is often not vital when the species are closely related and have a similar natural history. Even so, we still always try our best to accurately identify these tiny birds that occasionally make their way into the hospital.

The warbler in this photo arrived at the hospital yesterday after a suspected window strike. It sustained head trauma and an injury to its left eye. We're pretty certain we know what species it is, but what do you think?

08/01/2024

This young porcupine, only a few months old, presented with a severe respiratory infection, much like a cold that a human might get. She had lots of nasal discharge that clogged her nostrils, making it difficult for her to breathe. This "cold" is caused by an adenovirus, that was first found in porcupines right here at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Thankfully she is responding very well to her treatments, and her nasal discharge and other symptoms have resolved. She has been enjoying lots of her favorite foods (carrots and sweet corn), and developing plenty of stamina while trying to evade her caretakers on her daily summer walks (video in the comments).☀️

07/24/2024

A bird that hits a window is often initially stunned, but after a few moments, may look fairly normal. Maybe just a feather out of place, like this male rose-breasted grosbeak? Small birds like this one instinctively try to look and act as normal as possible so they are not preyed upon, however collision with a solid structure like a glass window can often cause significant injury (if they even survive at all).

On closer examination, this grosbeak had blood inside one of its eyes. It was also having some difficulty breathing with some fresh drops of blood in its mouth, and was suspected to have bleeding in its lungs from the impact. Radiographs confirmed that no fractures were present, so after several days of rest and treatment, he was transferred to a rehabilitator to be prepared for release.

Find some ways to prevent birds from colliding with windows at your home here:
https://abcbirds.org/solutions/prevent-home-collisions/

07/21/2024

This young Canada goose has had a difficult start to its first summer, after getting monofilament fishing line wrapped tightly around its right leg. The line had cut through all of the tissues on the leg down to the bone. Unable to walk due to the pain and developing infection, the goose finally became debilitated enough to be captured and brought to the hospital. Now that we have removed the line, which was wrapped around the leg several times, we will tend to her wound, infection, and any other abnormalities to get the goose strong and back to normal again.

Many wild animals are not so lucky, and die from their injuries related to fishing line entanglement. Monofilament fishing line does not degrade for hundreds of years, and can easily wrap around legs, wings, necks, and any other part of an animal. If you are fishing, dispose of your line properly, and if you are just out enjoying nature and come across some, pick it up. Monofilament fishing line can be recycled!
https://youtu.be/2KSyLyIsr-s?si=yReFEVWCMZhVAqi4

07/18/2024

Hi! Sorry we haven't been around in a while. June was our busiest month ever, and we treated 438 wild animal patients! We are powering through a busy summer, and will share news whenever we can. Your local wildlife rehabilitators are busy too, so give them some good wishes and support as they work hard to provide compassionate care for our wild animal neighbors.

07/01/2024

These green heron chicks were blown from their nest during recent high winds. Thorough examinations revealed only minor injuries, and the fish-eating trio was sent off to rehabilitation to finish growing up a bit before being released.

06/28/2024

Congratulations to Dr. Aubrey Alonzo and Dr. Kristen Tobin, who are finishing up the final days of their Wildlife Health Internship. For one year, they have immersed themselves in all things wildlife here at the Swanson Wildlife Hospital, as well as in other key wildlife health areas in the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. They have worked tirelessly to save hundreds of wild animals, while simultaneously studying to become experts in wildlife medicine and patiently teaching and mentoring students. We wish them the very best in their future careers in wildlife health!

06/24/2024

A little pinch of cuteness to start your week...

06/17/2024

This juvenile short-tailed weasel was recently found curled up on a lawn, lethargic and covered in fly eggs. Within a few hours of arrival at the hospital, she was up and regaining her "weasly" personality. Don't be fooled by her small size (weighing the same as two AA batteries!) - fiery and lightening quick, handling her gently while keeping the human handler safe is a delicate balance!

06/11/2024

Good food and soft blankets? Wake me up when it's the weekend...

06/08/2024

This little black bear was seen by the side of a road without its mother for several days in Allegany County NY, and a local wildlife rehabilitator arranged for transport to the Swanson Wildlife Hospital. Even though she was extremely thin and dehydrated, she was still feisty enough to make her physical examination a challenge! Weighing less than the average pet cat, she had developed pneumonia from being outside alone for so long. She responded very well to the medical care she received and had lots of rest and good food. She was discharged from the hospital yesterday to the continued care of a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, who will eventually release her back to the wild. Good luck little one!

06/03/2024

This weak and orphaned bobcat kitten from Trumansburg, NY was hospitalized today, and will receive supportive medication and nutrition this week while we try to determine and treat what is causing it to be sick.

The bobcat is sometimes used as a school mascot, including here in the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions of New York. So while you are rooting for this little hospitalized bobcat kitten to have a fast and full recovery, also give a shout-out to any local school "bobcats" during this graduation season! 🐾

GO BOBCATS!!
Bainbridge-Guilford Central School District.
Lansing Central School District. 💙💛
Boynton Middle School (Ithaca City School District).

05/29/2024

After being blown from the nest in Himrod, NY during a recent storm, this tiny young screech owl spent a few days in the care of a skilled wildlife rehabilitator before making its way to the hospital. While continuing to be treated for head and eye trauma, it will have multiple tests to determine its overall health, and will of course have a visit to the Ophthalmology Service at the Companion Animal Hospital. As always, our goal will be for his injuries to be resolved and his function to be excellent before heading back to rehabilitation and eventually being released back to the wild.

05/22/2024

Our first white-tailed deer fawn of 2024 arrived today, after accidentally being hit by a tractor in a central NY vineyard. Thankfully this little one sustained only minor injuries and will be fine. 💛

Mother deer hide their fawns, sometimes in places that may seem odd to us, but help to protect the fawns from predators while the adult forages for food. If the fawn is resting in a curled position and is quiet, please leave it alone and keep your pets inside until the mother returns to move it again. If you find a fawn that is repeatedly vocalizing, is laying or moving abnormally, or has a cloud of flies around it, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or local wildlife hospital for assistance.

05/17/2024

What does Dr. Tim Hackett, Alexander de Lahunta Chair of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine's Department of Clinical Sciences do when he is not supporting the >100 Department faculty members, or saving lives in the Companion Animal Hospital's Emergency and Critical Care Service? He is fostering baby turtles through the cold Ithaca, NY winter! Two lucky snapping turtles, hatched last fall, were cared for by Dr. Hackett and released on a recent beautiful sunny day. Weighing in at a robust 85 and 100 grams, they will have a great start to their very long life in the wild!

See more about how we support turtle conservation in this way:

https://youtu.be/SXmlj6unWv8?si=F21TsvJIQIlcB8rN

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/news/20191010/orphaned-turtles-rescued-and-released-thanks-cornell-wildlife-team

05/09/2024

Turtles are on the move! We currently have eleven turtles at the Swanson Wildlife Hospital, and eight of them are painted turtles like this one. The majority of them have been hit by a car while crossing the road to seek a place to lay eggs (like this female) or to move to another area.

We use various methods to repair turtle shell fractures. Since turtle shells are made of living bone, this is considered orthopedic surgery, and is done under anesthesia with attention to sterility and pain control. You can see that this turtle has stabilized fractures in both the upper shell (carapace) and lower shell (plastron). It will take her months to heal, but eventually she will be released back to the wild.

If you see a small turtle like this attempting to cross a road, you can help keep it safe by moving it across the road in the direction that it was headed. And of course, if you notice an injury, contact your local wildlife rehabilitator or wildlife hospital (like us!).

05/06/2024

If we have been a little quiet lately, it's because we have been busy caring for tiny spring wildlife babies like these cottontails!

Eastern cottontail nests are shallow depressions in the ground covered with soft grasses and fur. If you come across a nest in your yard, keep your pets inside or on a leash until they have left the nest. Remember that the mother rabbit only returns to the nest at dawn and dusk to feed the babies, so you will probably not see her around. If you find a young rabbit that looks injured, contact a local licensed wildlife rehabilitator or wildlife hospital.

*The purple dot on the head of one baby rabbit is a nontoxic paint. We use markings like this to tell the patients apart and accurately keep track of their weight, medications, and recovery progress.

Address

131 Swanson Drive
Ithaca, NY
14850

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 6pm
Tuesday	8am - 6pm
Wednesday	8am - 6pm
Thursday	8am - 6pm
Friday	8am - 6pm

Telephone

+16072533060

Website

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/hospitals/janet-l-swanson-wildlife-hospital

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital at Cornell University posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Videos

turtle release

What does Dr. Tim Hackett, Alexander de Lahunta Chair of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine's Department of Clinical Sciences do when he is not supporting the >100 Department faculty members, or saving lives in the Companion Animal Hospital's Emergency and Critical Care Service? He is fostering baby turtles through the cold Ithaca, NY winter! Two lucky snapping turtles, hatched last fall, were cared for by Dr. Hackett and released on a recent beautiful sunny day. Weighing in at a robust 85 and 100 grams, they will have a great start to their very long life in the wild! See more about how we support turtle conservation in this way: https://youtu.be/SXmlj6unWv8?si=F21TsvJIQIlcB8rN https://www.vet.cornell.edu/news/20191010/orphaned-turtles-rescued-and-released-thanks-cornell-wildlife-team

Opossum eating

💕 Happy Valentine's Day! This adult male Virginia opossum went straight for the delicious Chobani yogurt in his breakfast this morning. We hope you also have some sweetness in your day today! 💕

SWH Groundhog Day

SWH Snacking Porcupine Patients (Holiday)

One of the greatest gifts we can receive while working with our wildlife patients is when they start to feel better. One way that they commonly show this is by starting to eat. Our gift to you this holiday season highlights a fascinating species that we are very lucky to see regularly – the North American porcupine. We hope you enjoy watching some porcupine patients happily eating, and turn up the sound if you would like to hear some munching! Wishing you peace and joy this holiday season and throughout 2024! Music: Joyful Snowman Musician: Grand Project Site: https://pixabay.com/music/-joyful-snowman-127422/