August 7, 2024: (Source: OWC Facebook)

August 7, 2024 (Source: OWRA Facebook)

Ohio Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (OWRA) has always functioned as an extended family, so it is with tremendous sorrow that we say farewell to a most beloved family member, leader, dedicated volunteer, mentor and friend, Dr. Diana Huang, DVM.

Diana gave selflessly as a veterinarian, educator and rehabilitator. She was a friend to any animal and human she encountered. She was also a long-time volunteer for the Ohio Wildlife Center (OWC) in Columbus, Ohio as well as Founder and Director of For All Species, a non-profit, wildlife education organization. Through her organization, Diana focused her education efforts on natural history of wildlife and peaceful coexistence and facilitated a love of learning in children and adults alike. Her face would light up as she relayed her favorite facts about bats, crows, squirrels (inarguably one of her favorites) and other misunderstood or underappreciated wildlife we share our world with.

At OWC, Diana was well-renowned for her seemingly unparalleled knack for rearing the smallest of newborn orphans. While squirrels were her enduring passion, she extended her unique neonatal skills to chipmunks, groundhogs, bats and opossums, to name just a few. Her boundless energy was legendary in rehab circles. She routinely pulled “all-nighters” to care for orphaned animals through their most vulnerable time and would then serve multiple shifts at the wildlife hospital conducting exams and mentoring staff and volunteers. As an after-hours contact, she was always available for anyone in need of advice or to take in a rescue at any hour of the night. It was not at all uncommon to contact her at 2am to ask for help if a wildlife patient was declining. Diana was awake and ready to take on the challenge to save the animal’s life. Her compassion for animals was unequaled.

OWRA was honored to host Diana as an instructor at several state conferences. She imparted her knowledge with fellow veterinarians, licensed rehabilitators, veterinary technicians, volunteers and wildlife enthusiasts in various topics including Sciuridae Shuffle, Squirrel Basics, Neonate Trials and Triumphs, Dwarfism Case Studies and more. Diana also served as the Membership Chair and Project Leader for an international disaster preparedness project with the International Wildlife Rehabilitators Council (IWRC).

Diana thrived in organization with people who supported wildlife and was a member of organizations such as the Ohio Bat Working Group (OBWG), National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA), OWRA and IWRC. She gave her all in any situation which advocated for animals and education and strived to increase her knowledge at every opportunity.

Always the consummate professional, she would provide in-home veterinary services for companion and exotic animals and volunteered her veterinary services to a local domestic animal rescue. Outside of all things furry, feathered and scaled, Diana’s enthusiasm for the performing arts was also unmatched. She spent countless hours volunteering at Shadow Box Live in Columbus, Ohio. She and her husband, George, were avid supporters of the theater and enjoyed going out on the town to see their favorite play or musical.

Ohio lost a wildlife hero and great friend but her legacy lives on and her spirit will remain with us forever.

August 17, 2024 (Source: Columbus Dispatch Website)