Working with Wildlife

All volunteers approved to work with wildlife start their journey working a shift during our Baby Bird season.

The Baby Bird Season

Each Spring, an average of 1,000 animals are brought in to the Center by caring individuals and families. Many of these are baby birds for whom volunteers are always needed to provide comprehensive, on-site care. We require a serious commitment during the baby bird season (April through August). SWRR volunteers are required to arrive for their shifts on time and work a minimum of one shift per week (four hours) to provide sufficient care for the animals. The work is highly rewarding and the experience is one which few people ever get a chance to have and which our volunteers never forget! Most of our volunteers start out doing animal care. This includes preparing food, feeding, and cleaning. As volunteers gain experience, they often take on further responsibilities including working with birds of prey, mammals, waterfowl, and other more labor-intensive species.

Requirements

Must become a member of Shasta Wildlife ($20.00 fee annually).
Be a minimum of 15 years of age (15 to 17 with parent/guardian).
Attend required training before working with wildlife.
Be able to stand for long periods, bend, stretch, and lift objects of up to 10 pounds.
Be able to keep a steady hand to feed, clean, and care for birds.
Maintain a calm disposition.
Be able to work independently.
Offer considerable patience to care for the animals with compassion and diligence.

2022 Class Schedule

Orientations and training are given individually or in small groups as scheduled with the Center Coordinator after application is received.
Animal Care Committee meetings are the second Monday of every month from March to September at 6pm in the Anderson City Hall classroom.

Email your application to volunteer@shastawildlife.org

Mail to SWRR C/O Volunteer Coordinator PO Box 1173 Anderson, CA 96007

After completing one successful season working with Wildlife You may be eligible for these exciting opportunities!

Raptor Rescue Team

Sometimes the people who find an orphaned or injured animal are unable to bring it to the center because it’s too difficult to reach, too dangerous to handle, etc.

Mammal Team

Mammals and other wildlife that require specialized care are rehabilitated by trained volunteers at their homes.

Winter Team

For those of our volunteers who didn’t get their fill during the baby bird season, joining the Winter team will keep you connected to wildlife even though the Center is closed.

Waterfowl Team

This team is currently in the inception phase. Check back when protocol has been built.