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Since 1972, Project Wildlife has been dedicated to the rescue and
rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife, followed by
release into the wild. Care is given to over 11,000 wild birds and
mammals each year at the Wildlife Care Facility, at the homes of
hundreds of volunteers, and at the Project Wildlife Mobile Emergency
Clinic.
Project Wildlife is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supported
entirely by donations. Although licensed and permitted by California
Fish and Game, U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the Dept. of
Agriculture, it is not funded by any government agency.
Project Wildlife is covered under numerous permits to
rehabilitate wildlife; however, it is not permitted to trap and
relocate healthy wild or domestic mammals and birds.
Requirements: Project Wildlife volunteers must be individuals
who are self-motivated with a sincere interest in working
with wildlife. Attention to detail, the
ability to fulfill chosen commitment and dependability are crucial. In
addition, a strong desire to learn is required. Prospective
volunteers are required to become a member of Project Wildlife and
attend a new volunteer orientation.
The quality of life for our wildlife patients is of outmost
importance. At times, decisions must be made regarding euthanasia.
These decisions are taken very seriously and only authorized by Team
Leaders or a licensed veterinarian. Wildlife in the
"rehabilitation" process should never be considered
"pets."
Volunteer Opportunities
Emergency Wildlife Hotline:
An efficient answering team
maintains a critical link with the public. With the use of
computerized call forwarding, phones are answered by volunteers in
their own homes. Training is essential and is provided
Transportation/Rescue:
Often wildlife needs to be transported
to an experienced Team Member, the Care Facility, or a veterinarian.
Appropriate transport and rescue techniques are required and
training is provided.
Wildlife Care/Orphan Raiser:
Home-Care: Training classes are given to teach the specifics
of wild mammal, bird and orphan care. All mammals and a large number
of birds are cared for in a home setting. Volunteers specialize in
the care of one or two animal species. Food, caging and veterinary
care is provided by Project Wildlife. Some teams may require that
the volunteer purchase additional supplies. Responsibilities include
feeding, cleaning, medicating and food preparation. The home care
volunteer (depending on the team) may be asked to respond to
wildlife rescues.
Wildlife Care Facility: Volunteers are needed to work a
minimum of four hours per week (four times per month) at the Care
Facility. The Project Wildlife Care Facility is located behind the
San Diego Humane Society at 887 ½ Sherman Street in the Morena
District north of Old Town. Of the 11,000 birds and mammals received
by Project Wildlife every year, the Care Facility receives over
7,000 of them through their door. During "baby season"
volunteers are feeding over 250 baby birds every 30-45 minutes
daily! Responsibilities include: Feeding, cleaning, food
preparation, daily maintenance of the care facility, interfacing
with the public, and monitoring the progress of the wildlife
patients.
Wildlife Care Center-Youth Program:
Project Wildlife offers a volunteer opportunity for youth ages 15 to 17 at the Wildlife Care Center. See
Wildlife Care Center for description of volunteer opportunity. Anyone interested in the youth program is required to fill out a volunteer packet (including Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risk for the Youth Program) and attend a volunteer orientation with a parent or guardian.
For more information, email tpreston@projectwildlife.org or call (858) 866-0557
Education:
Educational presentations are given by volunteers
to schools and community groups. Often, these presentations include
the use of live, non-releasable wildlife, a slide show, a video and
other materials which are provided to the volunteer. Training is
provided on the proper handling of non-releasable wildlife, the
natural history of native wildlife and effective techniques for
children's presentations.
Other Opportunities:
Building aviaries and runs, fundraising,
photography, graphic design and clerical help is always needed.
Whether you work, are a student, or are home during the day, there
is a phase of animal care to fit your schedule.
Volunteer Impact:
Project Wildlife's goal is the rescue,
rehabilitation and release into suitable natural habitats of
wildlife native to San Diego County. Public outreach and education
is another primary objective of Project Wildlife. Project Wildlife
employs very few paid staff members. The organization relies heavily
on its volunteer force. EVERY volunteer position, whether working
directly with animals or other support position, is critical in the
success of returning animals to the wild. It is Project Wildlife's
intent to match the prospective volunteer with the opportunity that
is most suitable. Factors determining a volunteer "fit"
include: Availability, interest, experience, housing requirements of
specific species, reliable transportation and the ability to respond
to wildlife rescues. It is important that Project Wildlife
volunteers adhere to their commitment. Failing to do so may result
in the death of animals.
By joining Project Wildlife's volunteer community YOUR efforts
will give a second chance to animals in need. Together we can make a
difference in the lives of San Diego's wildlife.
Thank you for considering a volunteer position with Project
Wildlife.
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