Guest Post: Necropsy Experience for Ella Ordens

Necropsy Experience for Ella Ordens

Editor’s note: As Halloween approaches, we’re sharing a story about how a seemingly spooky topic—learning to do a necropsy, i.e., an autopsy for animals—became a great learning experience for a future veterinarian. The story comes from Tom and Judy Ordens, two WGF supporters who made this experience possible for their granddaughter, Ella Ordens. At our spring 2025 Dogs and Wolves event, Tom and Judy made the winning bid on “Learn about Necropsy with John Olson” during our auction of experiences. It was an opportunity to connect and learn alongside wildlife experts from WGF and the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (AFWA). I remember how excited they were to gift this experience to their granddaughter! Thank you to the Ordens, John Olson, and everyone who made this experience such a success!

Guest post from Tom and Judy Ordens; Edited by Carolyn Pralle, WGF Communications and Outreach Coordinator

AFWA Necropsy Workshop, photo courtesy of John Olson

An unusual gift

At a program in April, Wisconsin’s Green Fire had a fundraiser where a necropsy experience in Ashland, Wisconsin was offered by John F. Olson, certified wildlife biologist and consultant. We thought this would be an excellent experience for our granddaughter, Ella Ordens. Ella is a student at the University of Minnesota who wants to be a veterinarian. We were fortunate to win the bid for the three-day necropsy event in July. Ella was excited to go! The following is her account of the experience.

Why learn about necropsy?

The purpose of the Best Management Practices (BMP) necropsy event was to evaluate humane trapping methods by studying animal condition and trap-related injuries. By performing necropsies, we could gather objective data on how well different traps align with best management practices for wildlife management and conservation.

Working as a group, we carefully examined animals that had been harvested using different trap types. We documented external and internal findings, looked for any signs of trauma or injury, and recorded data that would later be used to assess trap performance. Volunteers skinned animals and scribed for the vets, while the vets performed necropsies.

The event included trappers, wildlife biologists, veterinarians, students and volunteers.

Judy, Ella, and Tom Ordens, photo courtesy of Judy Ordens

Ella’s takeaways

I learned how necropsies provide essential information for improving wildlife management practices. I saw how careful evaluation of animal condition helps ensure that trapping methods are as humane and effective as possible. Also, I learned the importance of collaboration between trappers and scientists in shaping responsible wildlife polices.

The best part was the opportunity to combine hands-on learning with real-world application. It was rewarding to know how the data collected will directly contribute to refining trapping standards and promoting ethical wildlife management.

Thank you, Wisconsin’s Green Fire and John Olson. I am in the process of applying to veterinary schools for 2026.

– Ella Grace Ordens