Garbarino, Quigley Introduce Bill To Support Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Efforts

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, House Zoo and Aquarium Caucus Co-Chairs Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) and Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL-05) introduced the Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Reintroduction Act of 2024. Zoos and aquariums are experts in the care, rescue, and rehabilitation of wildlife - providing a valuable public service and often investing significant resources to support animals most in need. This legislation would support rescue, rehabilitation, reintroduction, and conservation efforts by zoos and aquariums.

"Zoos and aquariums play a pivotal role in the conservation of threatened and endangered species, especially as instances of wildlife trafficking continue to rise. The Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Reintroduction Act would ensure qualified facilities have the resources and tools they need to effectively perform this important work,"said Rep. Garbarino. "I thank my fellow caucus Co-Chair, Congressman Quigley, for joining me in supporting wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts."

“As a member of the House Zoo and Aquarium Caucus, I have long been dedicated to supporting the conservation and rescue work of our nation’s zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries. This legislation will help support their vital work and ensure that in the event of a wildlife emergency, there is a network in place ready to step up and care for animals in distress. I look forward to working with my colleague across the aisle in advancing this critical legislation,”said Rep. Quigley.

The Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Reintroduction Act of 2024 is endorsed by the following organizations: Adventure Aquarium, Akron Zoo, Animal Wellness Action, Animal Wellness Foundation, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Birmingham Zoo, Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Center for a Humane Economy, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, Dallas Zoo, Great Plains Zoo, Lincoln Park Zoo, National Audubon Society, Newport Aquarium, Omaha Zoological Society, Saint Louis Zoo, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Santa Barbara Zoo, Vancouver Aquarium, Wildlife Conservation Society, Woodland Park Zoo, and Zoo Knoxville.

Specifically, this legislation would:

• Establish a Rescue and Recovery Grant Program to support rescue, rehabilitation, and confiscations-related work. Supported activities include expenses related to facility costs, food, veterinary care, direct animal care staff, transportation costs, reintroduction efforts, developing networks of facilities qualified to conduct these activities, and more.  
• Codify all aspects of the Wildlife Confiscations Network. By acting as a single point of contact for federal wildlife law enforcement, the Wildlife Confiscations Network establishes a cooperative and coordinated confiscation response protocol that can help address immediate triage needs through a network of qualified facilities.
• Develop a partnership approach with regard to these activities by asserting the invaluable role accredited facilities play in the rescue, rehabilitation, and reintroduction of threatened and endangered species.

The full text of the Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Reintroduction Act of 2024 can be found here.

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