CROW Feathers: Lillian Hughes, Wildlife Care Extern

June 29, 2026

A young woman in green scrubs smiles down at the red-shouldered hawk she is holding for treatment.
Lillian holds a red-shouldered hawk during treatment at CROW.

Where are you from?

I’m from Charleston, South Carolina. Sanibel’s hot, humid summers remind me of home!

What’s your position at CROW and how long are you here for?

I am a Wildlife Care Extern, and I’ll be here for a little over 2 months.

What’s your favorite part of your internship?

I love the variety of animals I get to work with. One morning, I could be medicating a red-shouldered hawk, and the next I could be giving fluids to a young Eastern cottontail. Every day is unique and exciting.

Favorite role in the hospital?

My favorite role in the hospital is assisting with incoming patients! Doing so has given me experience with an amazing variety of treatments and species.

Favorite animal and why?

Without question, the osprey! I have a soft spot for raptors in general. I passed South Carolina’s state falconry test when I was 13 and did educational falconry at South Carolina’s raptor rehabilitation center for 4 years. That was an incredible experience.

Young woman in green scrubs stands in a vet clinic and holds herring gull wrapped in white towel.
Lilian has lots of experience with raptors; but at CROW, she gets to care for other kinds of animals, like this herring gull.

What’s your most memorable CROW moment so far?

I recently got to watch a necropsy on a brown pelican. I learned so much about their anatomy, which is as weird as it is cool. They naturally have a form of subcutaneous emphysema (air beneath their skin), so handling the ones in our care feels like touching Styrofoam or bubble wrap!

What activities or hobbies do you enjoy outside of CROW?

I love creative writing! I spend my mornings and days off working on my 3rd novel.

What has been the most surprising thing during your time here?

I was truly surprised by the amount of kindness and support shown by the veterinarians, vet techs, and students alike. From the moment I started at CROW, I felt welcome in the clinic. The experience has definitely been a positive one!

What are some goals or aspirations for the future?

I would love to dive deeper into veterinary surgical specialties, particularly in small animals. I also plan to stay close to wildlife medicine in some way, whether that’s pursuing a career in the field or volunteering at a wildlife rehab center near me.

CROW Feathers are ongoing features of our student interns and externs. Interested in applying to CROW? Click here to learn more.