Animal care and welfare are vital to conservation efforts around the world. Recently a friend of mine found an injured mourning dove that had struck a window, she took it to a local aviary rehab facility to recuperate before being released back into the wild. This facility and many others like it contribute to the survival of thousands, maybe even millions of birds every year. Many of these birds are injured by human structures and activities and would die without the proper medical care they receive. This is hugely beneficial to conservation efforts as it helps promote the survival of avian life and many threatened species. This is just one example of animal rehabilitation affecting conservation but there are countless other efforts around the world which help all sorts of animals from mammals to reptiles to aquatic life. Another way animal care and welfare affect conservation is through captive breeding programs. There have been many examples of successful reintroductions of species bordering extinction, these include the stories of the California condor, the black footed ferret and even wolves in parts of the US. Breeding efforts in zoos, private collections and conservation funds around the world help to protect genetic diversity and keep species going. Dave and Tracy Barker speak extensively about this concept in their book "The Invisible Ark in Defense of Captivity" where they talk about the concept of an "Invisible Ark" which protects species' existence and genetic diversity through captive propagation. Captive breeding allows species to persist for the enjoyment of future generations even in the face of severe habitat loss. In some severe cases, such as that of the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), reintroduction isn't even possible meaning the species' entire existence is hinged upon captive breeding. I am currently an undergraduate student studying to eventually become a veterinarian. I plan on specializing in exotic animal medicine so I can provide care for wildlife or animals in zoos. I have always had an interest in the many "oddball" or underappreciated animals and have been breeding colubrid snakes for eight years now. There is nothing that excites me more than being able to work with exotic animals on a daily basis and I can't wait to be able to work with even more of these animals as a vet. Specializing in exotics will not only allow me to continue to learn more about the animals I love but will also allow me to contribute to conservation whether it be through helping with the rehabilitation efforts of threatened species or through caring for animals within "The Invisible Ark" in either zoos or private collections.