A wildlife charity near Burnham-On-Sea has this week issued an appeal for more volunteers to come forward to help them care for rising numbers of animals requiring help.
Secret World Wildlife Rescue says it is seeking extra helpers to cope with the large number of wildlife casualties it’s currently receiving.
Secret World Wildlife Rescue’s founder, Pauline Kidner, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “There are currently over 400 animals on site needing care. We never want to turn animals away but equally we must endeavour to make sure that our care is to the high standard expected from us.”
Laura Benfield, Head of Animal Care, adds: “With the coming heat wave, wildlife again will be challenged to find food, which was such a huge problem last summer.”
“With a team of experienced animal carers, the charity can only run with the support of volunteers.”
“People are unaware of the size of Secret World as many of the rehabilitation pens are off limits to the general public giving peace and security to recovering animals.”
Pauline adds: “With student volunteers finishing their courses and grandparents soon to be looking after grandchildren during the summer holidays, we always expect a drop in volunteers but this year has been exceptional. We are hoping that our that some of our supporters, who mean so much to us, may find some time to help out so that we can save animal lives and stop wildlife suffering.”
At this time of year, for seven days a week, we need 12 – 15 volunteers on each of the 4 sections covering 12 outside enclosures, 3 water paddocks, 10 birds of prey aviaries, 6 duckery units, 6 garden aviaries, 15 inside pens, 2 large rooms with all the baby birds often needing to be fed every hour, an wildlife orphan room, a hedgehog hotel and assessment/treatment room.
These all need volunteers for each session 9 -1 pm, 2 – 6 pm and 6 – 10 p.m. On top of this there are response drivers being directed by the reception staff to rescue and collect animals in distress. This is a section that is so vital to have enough help because they are also giving advice and receiving casualties as they arrive.
“Experienced volunteers who can help the centre should get in contact. Even those without wildlife experience are invaluable and can help with cleaning, laundry, filling food and water tubs, rotating stock and cleaning equipment. These all part of everyday needs, so anyone who can give some time to the charity would be very welcome.”
