Dez spent their childhood outside, investigating their backyard or the muckiest ponds in town to find the most interesting animals. This led to a career working with animals, starting with wildlife rehab in 2018, continuing with a brief jaunt into the zoo field, and migrating back to wildlife. After graduating with a biology degree from the University of Oklahoma, they became the manager of a wildlife center in Virginia. They then joined the CWC team in 2023 in order to continue their passion of helping wild creatures. They are a Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator through the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council. In their personal life, they love to experience the outdoors through hiking and exploring national parks. Most of all, they adore their cat Tango, and share their adventures with her.

Dr. Peterson has extensive knowledge of domestic, exotic, and wildlife veterinary medicine. Her passion in life has always been birds, specifically wild birds like raptors. She has been involved with Chintimini Wildlife Center since 2009 when she started her veterinary school career, and has continued to refine her expertise in both domestic and exotic animal medicine. She currently provides diagnostic, surgical, and emergency care to our wildlife patients and collaborates with local veterinarians on the medical and preventative care of our non-releasable avian ambassadors. Dr. Peterson is also a falconer and an avid wildlife photographer.

Madison’s wildlife rehabilitation journey began in 2017 as an intern at Wildlife Images Rehabilitation and Education Center in Grants Pass, Oregon. Her passion for wildlife and conservation grew, leading her to obtain a B.S. in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences from Oregon State University. In 2018, she started as a volunteer at CWC and later served as a Wildlife Care intern for several terms before joining the CWC rehab team in 2023. Outside of work, Madison enjoys trips to the coast, reading, and expanding her collection of house plants.