Holly Neilsen has been a permitted wildlife rehabilitator since 2007, beginning her journey when her in-laws brought her baby squirrels, which led her to contact Chris Linardos at ARK for guidance. Two weeks after applying, she received her permit, picked up the squirrels, and was completely set up with supplies, cages, and formula. In 2009, Holly expanded her work after getting pre-exposure rabies vaccines, adding bats, groundhogs, foxes, skunks, and raccoons to her care roster.
Since moving to Powhatan about ten years ago with land suitable for a large outdoor pre-release enclosure, her focus shifted to rehabbing fawns, and she’s fallen in love with them. Now she primarily rehabs fawns while occasionally taking in small mammals and rabies vector species, with skunks being her absolute favorites.
Outside of rehabilitation, Holly grew up in Pennsylvania working at a local barn and riding horses; she currently works part-time at the barn where she boards Yorick, her Friesian gelding, who she describes as her heart and soul, keeping her going and providing pleasure riding at this point in her life.
Wildlife Rescue League offers thanks to the dedicated volunteers who give their time, energy, and hearts to helping injured and orphaned wildlife. The spotlight will feature exceptional individuals whose diverse skills and unwavering commitment exemplify the spirit of WRL.
Volunteer Spotlight is brought to you by Andres Soria. Andres joined WRL’s Marketing Committee in 2022 and is one of our go-to photographers. In his time off, he enjoys wildlife photography, hiking, and biking.
