The Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital at Cornell University

09/25/2026

We had some extra spice added to our mid-summer with the presentation of two bobcat kittens within days of each other. Unrelated and from different locations, they spent a few weeks in a quiet room in our hospital, each recovering from significant injuries after being hit by cars.

The female (first photo) had a broken leg (femur), which was surgically repaired by Cornell's Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery Service (second photo, on recovery). The male (third photo) had his lower lip torn away from his mouth and lower jaw, and we were able to surgically return the tissues to their normal position.

As cute as these kittens are, they are difficult patients - very wild and quite dangerous. We are always up for the task of providing challenging patients like these with the medical and surgical care that they need in an appropriate healing environment.

Both of these bobcats recovered beautifully, continue to get bigger and stronger with licensed wildlife rehabilitators, and are nearly ready for release!

07/25/2026

Bald eagle patient #1426, found on the ground unable to fly in Cobleskill NY, arrived at our hospital on July 10th with a name! A well known bird in his local community, "John Jacob" remains hospitalized and under treatment.

He had a fracture in his right wing that was surgically repaired on July 14th. Although he had a very low level of lead in his blood indicating past exposure, he did not have lead toxicity.

John Jacob will remain hospitalized for several weeks while his wing heals. He will receive regular physical therapy, and close monitoring to ensure that he has the best chance of returning to full function. We will provide an update when he is further along on his healing journey. 🦅

07/03/2026

That's a wrap on our busiest month EVER, June 2026. With it being the first time that we have admitted over 500 cases in one month (528 to be exact) and the first time mammal admissions have exceeded birds, we are setting all kinds of personal records. We are grateful for all those who notice distressed wildlife and take action, rescuers, transporters, licensed rehabilitators, state wildlife officials, donors and more who share our passion for saving wildlife and help make our work possible. These photos are just a very few of our June patients.

06/05/2026

05/28/2026

Making food easily accessible to weak or debilitated patients is an important part of recovery, especially in a tiny patient like a hummingbird that requires frequent nectar meals. This ruby throated hummingbird struck a window and was disoriented with head trauma for several days. A custom made hummingbird feeding station that provided a low perch and readily available food was a key part of his slow recovery. 🌺

05/09/2026

The diversity of birds around us right now in New York is incredible, including many species of warblers. This Nashville warbler struck a window here on campus, and was immediately rushed to our hospital by a quick-acting student. In critical condition, it took several hours before the warbler was alert and able to stand. Its tiny right wing was hanging down, and radiographs showed an injury in shoulder - a common finding in window strike birds that survive the impact. The warbler will spend some time in a bandage to keep the shoulder still and allow it to heal.

There are many ways that you can act to help prevent window strikes, which kill approximately 1 billion birds every year in the United States. Our campus here at Cornell is taking action to reduce collisions like this:
https://www.birds.cornell.edu/bird-friendly-campus/

Check out the amazing resources at Lab of Ornithology for ideas and solutions to help prevent birds from colliding with glass. Some simple steps at your home can have a big impact on creating a safer environment for birds!

05/01/2026

A vasectomy in the North American beaver?

Hot off the press, Dr. Hopf-Dennis of the Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital has published the first ever detailed anatomical description of the reproductive anatomy of male beavers (with beautiful illustrations), and described two surgical vasectomy techniques.

This procedure will be useful for reproductive management of beavers managed in zoological settings. Just as exciting, is the potential for use of this technique as an alternative to less humane population control methods in regions where beavers are abundant (and often seen as a pest).

Just one example of the many ways that clinical wildlife medicine can benefit wildlife management and welfare! 🦫

03/12/2026

It's officially GIVING DAY! 🐾 Today, March 12, is our chance to come together for the wild animals and people who rely on us. If you are passionate about helping wildlife, today is the day to make a difference!

Gifts of any amount truly have an impact, and go directly towards the compassionate medical care of the thousands of injured/ill wild animals that will arrive at our hospital over this coming year. 🩺

03/10/2026

This adult bald eagle was hit by a car in Waverly, NY in November 2025. In an incredible act of compassion and fortitude, the person who noticed this injured eagle sitting motionless in the median of the busy highway, stayed by its side for several hours until the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation could arrive.

After several weeks of hospitalization to treat injuries to the head, eyes, and right shoulder, the eagle spent another few weeks at Kindred Kingdoms Wildlife Rehabilitation Center to exercise and return to peak physical condition (video in the comments).

This past Sunday, almost exactly 4 months after its collision with a vehicle, this eagle returned home - personally delivered by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (video in the comments)!