In Upstate New York, something extraordinary is happening. Survivors of traumatic brain injuries are rebuilding their lives, and helping rescued animals do the same, through an initiative known as Wildlife Rockstars. Wildlife Rockstars is a one-of-a-kind animal-assisted therapy program at Bridges for Brain Injury where healing is mutual, transformation is visible, and every claw, paw, and hoof has a part to play.
Watch the full episode of Wildlife Rockstars: Backstage Pass:
“The Animals Were What Drew Me Here”
For Bridges member Justin, it started with the animals. “They’re wonderful. Love all the animals,” he says. But over time, it became something much more. “Brain injury is really just the beginning of your journey, not the end.” Wildlife Rockstars gives survivors a purpose and a platform through meaningful human-animal interactions.
From Rescues to Rockstars
Wildlife Rockstars is unlike any other program! Participants in this animal assisted therapy program become a true team of animal handlers, providing care for over 50 rescued animals including alligators, kangaroos, opossums, goats, and even a giant millipede. They also take their important messages on the road to educate community members about wildlife, conservation, traumatic brain injuries, and the special programs that Bridges for Brain Injury offers.
At the heart of it all is Sara Saylor, who started as a volunteer 14 years ago and is now the Director of Wildlife Education Services at Bridges for Brain Injury. Sara explains, “I consider it my happy place…because of the animals and the people. I learn something every day from both.”
And for the people she serves, the impact is lifelong.
The program not only provides care for and education about the animals, but also helps members through their journey with traumatic brain injury: “These animals are part of the show and part of the healing process,” says Sara.
“I came to Bridges because of the animal program,” says Tim. “It helps me be more calm.” Justin adds, “I’d be stressed out, and then I’m with the animals and just feel naturally better”. Jason puts it simply: “I love working with animals. That just makes me feel good about myself.”When asked if he feels like a different person from when started his Bridges journey, Jason replies “I do. A lot more grown up.”
Meet the Animal Ambassadors at Wildlife Rockstars
The animal ambassadors represent a wide range of species. From porcupines to millipedes, every animal has a story and a name. In fact, the public oftentimes helps in choosing fun and special names for the ambassadors including:
- Selena Goatmez (a goat) specializing in animal-assisted activities like maintaining the lawn
- Phyllis Quiller (a porcupine)
- Joan Jett and Cindy Lopper Hopper (rabbits with stage presence)
- And everyone’s favorite: Compost Malone, the giant African millipede
Many of the therapy animals are rescues with powerful stories of their own. Staff member Sara recalls, “A leopard gecko came to us with no eyes. After a year of care, his eyes appeared.” As part of the Wildlife Rockstars program, these rescued animals are now provided with daily care, housing, enrichment, and socialization.
Taking the Message on the Road
The Wildlife Rockstars program doesn't just stay on site at their Farmington, New York location. With ten programs to offer and their unmistakable tour bus, they bring presentations to schools, senior homes, community events, community centers, and public places like local libraries, educating the public on both the animals they care for as well as about living with brain injuries.
Mike kicks off a visit to Vienna Gardens, a senior community in the Finger Lakes, with an explanation of who the presenters are, and how brain trauma has affected their lives, “Me and my fellow Rockstars, we may talk a little different, walk a little different…and that’s because we’re all brain trauma survivors.” Not only do the presentations provide benefit for the presenters involved, but the show is also met with joy and excitement by those who get the chance to watch! The residents “don’t really get to go out,” says Amanda Stone. “So bringing something like this in -- it’s fantastic.”
And there’s no doubt the Wildlife Rockstars programs are a success! In 2024, Wildlife Rockstars did over 130 presentations. In 2025, the organization already has more than 112 presentations booked so far.
Growing Confidence, One Show at a Time
Each presentation by the Wildlife Rockstars imparts education, healing, and confidence that contribute to the growth of the animal handlers. Sara has seen this growth firsthand: “Justin wasn’t interested in animals or public speaking. And then he came here and fell in love with it.”
“I never thought I’d be on stage speaking to a crowd of like 30 people,” Justin admits. Now, he’s cracking jokes about millipedes that can taste with their feet. “If a car accident couldn’t kill me, what would speaking in front of a bunch of people do?” Justin jokes. “Turns out, I’m kinda good at it.”
A Place Where People and Animals Heal Together
Animals like Clifford, a black and white Argentine tegu found wandering Clifford Ave in Rochester, New York, get a new start here. But, animal handlers also get a new start as well. Sara often watches as members enter the animal room, set their canes aside, and begin caring for the animals. “That’s a powerful way to measure success,” she says.
The impact of this human-animal bond is deep for both the members and the animals. “Helping out here has shown me my purpose in life,” Justin says. Jason’s mom adds, “He just found his purpose. That makes him feel so independent and capable.”
More Than a Program…A Family
Wildlife Rockstars isn’t just about building relationships with the animals either. It’s about building friendships, rebuilding social circles, meeting best friends, and finding joy again. Elisabeth recalls a member showing a rabbit to someone from the Deaf community: “It made us all recognize how connected we can be because of the animals.” Justin agrees, “Because of my injury and the shrinkage of my social circle, I’ve come here and gained a whole new one. Feels like a family to me.”
Rockstars Within their Community
One moment sums it up:
A child ran up to a member and said,
“I know you. You’re a Wildlife Rockstar.”
The Wildlife Rockstars program not only makes a lasting impact on the animals and their handlers, but also on its surrounding community. Justin knows that he has found something bigger than himself: “I take this seriously, being an example to the younger generations.”
Laura, CEO and co-founder of Bridges for Brain Injury, also sees the transformation every day. “They’re so proud of what they’re doing. They’re so good at it. How could you not be inspired by them?”
That’s the power of purpose, compassion, and community. The inspiration and healing imparted as part of the Wildlife Rockstars program is unparalleled!
How You Can Help
If you’re in the Farmington, NY area and are interested in booking one of the ten Wildlife Rockstar programs we offer, please head to our Wildlife Rockstars page to fill out a program request form!
Every step forward is powered by the support of our community. Whether you donate, volunteer, or simply share our story, you’re helping someone take the next step toward healing.
Your support builds bridges. Bridges between trauma and triumph, isolation and connection, and today’s challenges to tomorrow’s dreams.
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