Welcome to your backstage pass to the Wildlife Rockstars, brought to you by Bridges for Brain Injury!
Today at Bridges, it's the first day of spring, and life moves at an animal's pace. These animals aren't just hanging out. They're part of something bigger. They're also a part of the local community.
Watch the full episode of Wildlife Rockstars: Backstage Pass:
As members of the Wildlife Rockstars, they travel to schools, community centers, and care facilities alongside our educators. They help teach people about wildlife, conservation, and compassion, all while building confidence in the team members who care for them.
It's a typical day here at Bridges for Brain Injury, where everyone, two-legged or four, finds their own rhythm.
Meet Dolly, the African Porcupine
Dolly is one of the standout animals of the Wildlife Rockstars. She’s an African porcupine, much larger than the North American kind, and full of personality.
She’s friendly and loving with her keepers, and she loves chin scratches, apples, raspberries, and just about any fruit or veggie you offer. She’s even being harness trained to go on walks! But Dolly is still a prey species. Even though she loves her caretakers, quick movements can trigger her natural defense response.
“As a keeper, we kind of have to watch her. You don’t want to be at the end of those needles.”
Dolly has 20,000 to 30,000 quills. Each one is tipped like a hypodermic needle and can easily pierce. She sheds them regularly, and the team repurposes the dropped quills into handmade jewelry and other items.
“We always make sure to be mindful about taking them out of her habitat because we don’t want her stepping on them. So we rake in there a lot.”
Get to Know Carlos, the Cavy
Carlos is quick to greet anyone new and always camera-ready. Energetic and fast on his tiny feet, he’s a cavy with a big personality packed into a small body. One of the team’s favorite little rodents, he brings fun and curiosity to every room he enters.
Meet Nash, the New Guinea Singing Dog
Nash is one of the rarest animals at Bridges. A New Guinea singing dog, he’s wildly expressive and, yes, he loves to sing. His howl is a mix of melody and echo, unlike anything else.
“We walk him every day. He loves the walks. He loves to get out and smell all the smells and see all the people.”
Once believed to be extinct in the wild, New Guinea singing dogs have only been seen in the most remote mountain regions of New Guinea. There are fewer than 300 left in the world.
Nash is not only a rare breed but also a beloved part of the Bridges family.
Healing Through Connection
These animals aren’t just fun to watch. They’re part of real healing.
Through calm routines, gentle touch, and shared connection, they help people rebuild confidence, reduce stress, and rediscover joy. Whether it’s walking Nash the singing dog, feeding Natalie the pig, or simply sitting beside a quiet friend, each moment creates space for growth.
For our members, these animals aren’t just companions. They’re teachers, motivators, and sources of strength.
Here, every animal has a role. Every day has a rhythm. And whether you’ve got fur, feathers, or just a big heart, there’s always a place to belong.
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.
JOIN US. SUPPORT THE JOURNEY. AND HELP US BUILD WHAT COMES NEXT.
As a nonprofit organization, we need your help to make a difference in the lives of people living with traumatic brain injuries. Whether you are a family caregiver, a medical provider, or a potential donor looking to support a nonprofit with national recognition, your involvement can help ensure that every individual navigating the brain injury journey receives access to the best possible outcome supported by a compassionate, skilled team.
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