What is the difference between "Rehabilitation" and "Release" (of an animal such a kangaroo, koala, etc...)

Answer 1

Rehabilitation refers to the care that sick, injured or orphaned wild animals receive from licensed wildlife rehabilitators.

Release is the goal of the rehabilitation. When a sick or injured wild animal has recovered from the illness or injury to the point that it can survive back in its natural habitat, it is released and the rehabilitation was successful.

Orphaned wild animals need to be raised to a certain age before release; but they also need to be taught/conditioned to recognize and find their own food before being released, so they do not starve. Additionally, orphaned wild birds need to demonstrate the ability to fly well enough to survive in the wild.

If a rehabilitation effort of an injured animal fails, that is, the animal does not recover to the point that it can be released, the licensed wildlife rehabilitator must find another licensed facility that can take the PC (pemanent cripple). It may be a zoo that needs the animal for a breeding program. It may be a facility that can use the animal in an educational program. If the rehabilitator also possesses a license to keep animals for educational purposes, they may continue to keep the animal.

No rehabilitator may keep any wild animal that is healthy enough to be released. They may not keep any wild animal as a pet.

Answer 2

Rehabilitation is medical treatment; an animal in rehabilitation receives attention from experts including any combination of veterinarians, zoologists, and others, and would be held under controlled conditions in a clinic or an enclosed natural setting. Release refers to release back into the wild, where the animal is no longer under the direct care of humans; the animal may be released with a tracking bracelet.