Animals Help With Healing (05:24)

FREE PREVIEW

Ana Luna recalls taking her son to the hospital after he said he was going to kill himself. Marvin reflects on isolation, self-harm, and connecting with Veedoor, a condor, at the wildlife sanctuary.

Youth Educational Program (05:39)

Wildlife Associates Executive Director Steve Karlin introduces schoolchildren to wildlife to increase environmental awareness. He recalls watching a robin family as a child and a bulldozer knocking down their tree.

Re-connecting People With Wildlife (04:58)

Youth Intervention Specialist John Malloy and Karlin have worked together for 15 years. Malloy discusses working with depressed children. Karlin introduces Lurch, an injured turkey vulture, and reflects on relationships. A young girl connects with a horse named Thunder.

Wildlife Associates (03:53)

Assistant Director Michelle Durant discusses working with justice-involved youth; a girl connects with a parrot named Rubio. The animals are non-releasable and traumatized when they arrive; Jen Kotkin recalls Luna's arrival. Samantha, a middle school student, reflects on animal stories.

Denial and Identity (03:12)

Ana Luna discusses not wanting to recognize the trouble her son was in. Principal Susan Harris reflects on middle schoolers experiencing an identity crisis. Home is typically not a safe place for at-risk youth.

Connection and Cleansing (05:46)

Hannah, a middle school student, welcomes newcomers to Wildlife Associates. Youth transform upon arrival at Wildlife Associates; Samantha recalls connecting with Thunder. Students make a fire when they are ready to be clean spirited.

Consistency Builds Trust (04:42)

Staff ensure the animals feel comfortable with them as their new family. Malloy discusses connecting someone with their inner self. Students pick up on staff cues when working with the animals; they meet a sloth.

True Silence and Storytelling (06:16)

Wildlife Associates provides a sense of quiet that is energizing; youth begin hearing their own voice. Marvin goes outside and writes in a notebook when he feels angry or sad. Youth sit around a fire and share stories.

Freedom and Growth (04:43)

Samantha feels accepted by the others and can share her story. Malloy discusses working through grief. Cherokee, a golden eagle, is a gunshot victim. Durant and Samantha reflect on animals remembering their past. Nicholas feels he and Lurch share the same pain.

Forming Bonds (04:35)

Samantha feels calm around the animals. Kotkin discusses making connections. Slowing down allows the youth to "go deep." Several youths make a connection with Veedor; Marvin shares his story.

Helping Youth and Families (05:17)

Hannah is more confident and at peace. Teachers reflect on the transformation of students at school. Wildlife Associates has helped thousands of at-risk youth; Marvin and his mother reflect on changes.

Credits: Teach Me to be Wild (03:35)

Credits: Teach Me to be Wild