At the same time, International Bird Rescue strives to improve
medical and husbandry techniques for aquatic birds in captivity. We
are proud of the dedication and support of our volunteers who
participate in every aspect of the rehabilitation process. Their
involvement is vital and directly impacts the successful return of
animals to the wild.
In order to volunteer, you must be at least 18 years old, have a
sincere desire to help wildlife, commit to at least a four-hour
shift a week, be dependable, responsible and able to take
direction.
Complete and submit a volunteer application form (PDF fill-in form), indicating which orientation you will attend.You can save it, e-mail it back to one of the addresses below or print it out and bring with you on the day of the class.
We ask that each of our volunteers make a donation to support our programs (suggested minimum $25).
Orientations are held quarterly with the next on:
Saturday, June 8, 2013 10 a.m. to noon
Let us know you'll attend: Volunteer.SFBay@Bird-Rescue.org
Directions to our San Francisco Bay Center
Orientations are held on the second Saturday of each
month,
with the next on:
Saturday, June 8,
2013 10 a.m. to noon
Let us know you'll attend: Volunteer.LA@Bird-Rescue.org
Because of ongoing construction in the area, please use the Google Map to plan your trip to the center: http://goo.gl/maps/U3jo0 Note: Bird Rescue is located next to the Marine Mammal Care Center.
Volunteer support is critical to the care and support that we
give our patients, whether working directly with the animals we
care for, or supporting their care through answering phones,
filing, cleaning, laundry, or construction. We value your
skills and want your experience to be rewarding and fulfilling.
However you choose to help, you are helping to return these amazing
creatures back into the wild.
In our animal care program, we have three volunteering levels that
interested volunteers can learn and progress through. All
volunteers begin working within the animal care program by learning
"the basics," and depending on your desire to learn and the time
you have available, you can become proficient and confident in
rehabilitation. Volunteers interested in a career in wildlife
rehabilitation can learn valuable skills not taught elsewhere
through hands-on work at our centers.
Level 1
New volunteers work directly with a mentor and staff to learn how
to properly perform basic hospital duties such as cleaning cages,
doing laundry, preparing food, and helping to take care of the
pools. Husbandry plays a vital part in recovery of any
species. When these skills are mastered, volunteers can
graduate to Level 2.
Level 2
Volunteers who are comfortable with providing for the basic needs
of our patients may work with staff and mentors to learn more
advanced skills such as bird capture within the enclosures,
administering medications, gavage tubing, updating the medical
records and assisting staff with patient evaluations.
Level 3
Volunteers who have begun to learn about the intricacies of caring
for these magnificent birds may find that they want to continue
learning and taking on more responsibility. With commitment
and focus, Level 3 volunteers work closely with staff in providing
expert care and oversight to animals, performing diagnostic tests,
creating treatment plans and performing basic medical care.
 | Volunteer Application |
