When people join The Cape Wildlife Center for a volunteer orientation session, they're given the opportunity to decide which activities most suit their interests. Activities in which volunteers can become involved are described below.
Wildlife Support
Duties: Preparing food for wildlife patients (per recipes), preparing and cleaning cages, preparing nesting materials, acquiring and picking up supplies and food, helping to keep the facility organized, etc.
Time: A minimum of four hours a week, following an established schedule
Direct Wildlife Care
Duties: Feeding wildlife in rehabilitation, handling and restraining wildlife
Time: A minimum of four hours per week, following an established schedule
Rescue and Transport Team
Duties: Go to site where wildlife is in need and determine if rescue is required—if possible, help the animal without rescue; if necessary, safely capture and restrain animal and transport to the Cape Wildlife Center
Time: On call for a few hours at designated times
On-Site Wildlife Assessment
Duties: Go to site where wildlife is in need and determine if rescue is required, then call in a report to the Cape Wildlife Center
Time: Variable—on call as needed and available
Administration and Projects
Duties: Varied—can include typing and data entry, working on newsletters, preparing for seminars, filing
Time: Several hours a week, flexible schedule
Phone Team
Duties: Provide assistance to individuals who call the Center with wildlife concerns such as human-wildlife conflicts; an animal in need of rescue; what to do with injured, orphaned, or distressed wildlife; and referrals to other groups
Time: A minimum of four hours per week, following an established schedule
Outdoor Facility Maintenance
Duties: Raking, mowing, trimming shrubs, cleaning up yard, washing cages, etc.
Time: Several hours a week, flexible schedule
Construction and Maintenance Team
Duties: Help build and maintain cages and facilities, help create habitat
Time: As needed—minimum of one day a month (more is appreciated)
Advocacy
Duties: Varied—can include calling supporters on a specific wildlife issue, conducting research, preparing for or assisting with public presentations and informational booths, assisting with mailings
Time: As needed—minimum of one day a month
