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There are a
number of ways in which you can volunteer for WILVOS. Any one of the
following (and there are more) can help WILVOS to continue operating
as a vital native animal welfare organisation covering the Sunshine
Coast in Queensland (from Gympie to Caboolture). These include:
All of the
above roles are vital to the successful operation of the Association
and all positions operate with a strong team focus. You don’t
however need to take on a job to become a ‘WILVO’. You may also join
as a friend of WILVOS and receive our six newsletters annually and
enjoy the stories about native wildlife issues and experiences.
Do I Need to Do any Training?
To rescue and foster care you need to attend an induction workshop
that covers basic rescue techniques. Rescue does not mean climbing
trees or rescuing possums from power lines. There are professionals
that have the equipment to undertake these types of rescues. Rescue
means how to pick up an injured animal, what you will need and the
first few hours of basic care.
Membership of WILVOS costs $15.00. This covers your rescue permit,
insurance, six newsletters per year and access to training workshops
covering all species.
The most frequently cared for animals are birds 76% and then mammals
22%. Workshops are held throughout the year for all species.
Attendance at workshops costs $10.00. This includes course materials
and refreshments. Attending workshops improves successful outcomes
for native animals.
Equipment & Food
Some equipment is necessary to carry out a rescue. Many animals will
be given to you already in a carton however you will need to have a
carry cage. These can be purchased from veterinarians and in the
short term you may loan a cage from WILVOS until you are able to
source your own. As a member of WILVOS a certain amount of
“foraging” is required as all cages and aviaries look much more
natural for the inhabitants if there is fresh native foliage in them
daily. Many birds require native blossoms daily as well as other
special foods. Possums in particular require quantities of native
foliage daily. As a foster carer you will be required to pay for the
costs of food and housing out of your resources. WILVOS buy bulk
food to on sell to members at wholesale prices and there are a
variety of cages for short term loan. All loan equipment remains the
property of WILVOS.
What is involved in foster caring?
If you make a commitment to become a foster carer/rescuer there are
experienced carers who will support and guide you. Rescuing an
animal does not necessarily mean you will foster care it, your
experienced carer ‘buddy’ will assess the animals needs and make a
decision. Almost all young animals need to be ‘buddied’ up with
their own species for their best chance of survival. That may mean
giving the animal you have just rescued to someone who already has
that species in care, or it may mean you will foster care animals
that someone else has rescued.
Having pets is not counter productive to being a foster carer.
Common sense is the main ingredient here. Our aim is to release
healthy, independent animals back into their habitat. It is not in
the native animals best interest if, at release, it is comfortable
with humans and their pets (their predators). All animals in care
should be wary and instinctively flee from humans and pets. Your
dog/cat might be a ’darling’ but the next dog/cat your charge meets
on release might not be, and days or weeks of care is completely
wasted. The animals welfare will always be the main priority.
What Level of Commitment am I expected to
give?
You decide on the level of activity you are comfortable with. Time
and equipment are the major considerations. If you have a lot of
time and space in your garden for aviaries your commitment level may
be quite high. Not all animals need an aviary; smaller animals may
need only a cage for a few days care.
WILVOS comes under the control of the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA). There are rules that you must follow if you do want to
become a foster carer. Every month you must fill in a fauna return.
This information is entered into a database and assists with animal
management including ‘buddying’ and release and ensures that WILVOS
know what resources they need to provide the services to the
community such as the 24 hour hotline.
Caring for our unique wildlife is a challenging and rewarding
experience.
WILVOS rely on donations and grant applications to operate and is a
totally voluntary association.
How do I become a member?
Please complete a volunteer application form (See How I can help >
Become a volunteer > Application). |
