JACKSON, Tenn. — Oct. 3, 2012 — 51社区 biology professor James Huggins was awarded the Environmental Stewardship Award for his work with Union鈥檚 Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
Huggins received the award during the Civic Pride Awards luncheon this summer at Premier Place Catering.
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is located near the facilities management building. Huggins said he helped establish the center about 10 years ago.
Huggins said the center is state and federally licensed for most wildlife rehabilitation. However, he said the center primarily treats raptors, or birds of prey, more than 60 of which have been treated in the past year.
鈥�51社区鈥檚 Wildlife Rehabilitation Center has exhibited tremendous dedication in providing care for injured, ill, misplaced and orphaned wild animals with the goal of releasing each into its natural habitat,鈥� Huggins said. 鈥淓ach animal is examined, diagnosed and treated through an individually tailored program of veterinary care, diet, exercise and pre-release conditioning. Non-releasable animals provide valuable research information and are placed as educational animals in licensed and qualified facilities.鈥�
Huggins said he is the only person between Nashville and Memphis licensed to handle these birds.
Although Huggins won the award, he said other biology professors are responsible for the recognition as well.
鈥淚 consider this to be a departmental award rather than a personal award,鈥� Huggins said. 鈥淭here are others in the department who have helped on multiple occasions.鈥�
Huggins was awarded a certificate and a figurine. Both of these items are on display in the biology department in White Hall.