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A Day in the Life of a Helpline Volunteer

Volunteers are an integral part of Wildlife Rescue and they are involved in every aspect of the work that we do. We deeply appreciate each and every person that generously gives their time to help give our wildlife patients a second chance at life. Join us this week as we take a sneak peek into an average day for volunteers at Wildlife Rescue!

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Written by Helpline Volunteer, Nancy

As a Support Centre volunteer, we help out with admitting new animals and answering calls that come in to our Wildlife Rescue helpline. It is my first spring volunteering with Wildlife Rescue and we’re heading into the busiest time of the year, so the Support Centre Coordinator is close by to help me out if I have any questions. This day, we received lots of calls about baby birds and nests! This is a Day in the Life of a Support Centre volunteer! 

12:20 – Arrived at WRA and greeted my fellow volunteer, Clare, who was admitting a new patient at our animal intake shed. 

Clare at the intake shed 

12:30 – Signed in and got an update from another volunteer, Brenda, who was finishing her helpline shift. She filled me in about a call she was expecting to come in a bit later from a community member so I could best support them. 

Brenda at her desk 

12:45 – Wildlife Rescue received a about goose nests on a rooftop. I recorded information to schedule arescue of these newborns once the eggs hatch.  

Did you know: Canada Geese always return to the same place they were born to nest, even if a building or other development has popped up right on the spot! This keeps Wildlife Rescue busy year after year, safely rescuing and guiding newborns and their mums back to a safe, natural environment.  

12:55 – I recorded all of the information from any voicemails that came through during other calls and responded accordingly. 

13:10 – Wildlife Rescue received a call about an injured goose. I recorded the details and location for the Support Centre staff to arrange a rescue right away. 

13:25 – An email came through about an injured Mallard with a video for assessment to determine the injury and if a rescue was needed. 

13:30 – A call came through about an injured animal to be dropped off by a member of the community. I let Wildlife Rescue admissions staff know to expect them soon! 

13:45 – I met an officer dropping off a Rock Pigeon from New West Animal Shelter to receive care at Wildlife Rescue. 

Officer Phil filling in a form with information about the Rock Pigeon he dropped off 

14:00 – We received a call about geese behaviour and provided information to the caller to help them out. 

14:10 – An available volunteer called and we arranged for them to assess the injured Mallard from earlier in person. 

14:20 – We received a call about another rooftop goose nest rescue! 

15:00 – We received a call from a concerned community member asking for advice on what to do with trapped ducklings with no mother around 

Did you know: Ducklings rely on their mothers to survive—but if she becomes stressed, she might abandon her ducklings! If you see ducklings with no mother nearby, call the Wildlife Rescue Support Centre at (604) 526-7275 right away. Learn more about Mallard Duckling Season in our FAQ here.

15:10 – We received a call about birds nesting in an unsafe location, and provided guidance about nesting deterrents. 

Did you know: if you see birds nesting in an unsafe place year after year, there are ways to safely try and divert them. Check out this article on goose nesting for more information. 

15:30 – We received a call about an injured seagull who needed to be rescued and treated 

15:40 – I sent out a request to Wildlife Rescue’s transport volunteers to arrange for the injured seagull to be picked up and brought right in for care! 

16:00 – We received an update from our volunteers about the ducklings from earlier – the Mallard mother and ducklings were successfully reunited! What an amazing way to end the day! 

16:10 – Signed out and our Support Centre team shared new photos of ducklings in our care swimming in a newly fixed up enclosure and reminds me why I’m so proud to be a part of the team helping these little ones at Wildlife Rescue! 

Join the team! Learn more about volunteer opportunities and how to apply >

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Posted in What's New