Steve L.

As a child, Steve grew up with a fascination for all wildlife. Through this love of animals he was blessed to find his first job with a veterinarian who was a permitted wildlife rehabilitator. Through the years of assisting the veterinarian Steve learned more and more about all aspects of wildlife rehabilitation, eventually taking the lead in this role. He eventually became management at the facility and was responsible for all in-house wildlife care, including the hiring, training, and mentoring of staff in the area. This passion for wildlife rehabilitation led Steve to serve on the Board of Directors for The Moraine Ridge Wildlife Rehab Center (the future Humane Indiana – Wildlife) in the late 1990's into the early 2000's. He continued this passion in the veterinary setting until Spring 2018 when I became the Director of the federally recognized not-for-profit Humane Indiana Wildlife Rehab & Education Centers in Valparaiso, Indiana admitting 2200+ animals annually. While growing up with such a love for native wildlife, Steve never dreamed of being able to turn it into a career. Through years of watching, assisting, and learning from other rehabilitators, he is proud to be able to help the animals of his community in this small way. It's so important to Steve not just to rehabilitate sick/injured/orphaned native species, but also to share the importance of education and respect for our environment and all of its inhabitants, with people of ALL ages. Steve believes that education is the key for a peaceful coexistence with our wild neighbors, and it is of great importance that we share this message with our children to make this world a better place for everyone, generation after generation.