VANCOUVER – The Wildlife Rescue Association of BC (WRA) is looking for some volunteers to ‘ducksit’ some orphaned ducklings.
Sitters are needed for ducklings as without their parents they are extremely vulnerable to predators such as mink, coyotes and birds of prey.
“We get between 35 to 50 animals a day on our busiest days of summer and our wildlife rehabilitators only have time to focus on hands-on medical care,” says Stefanie Broad, the WRA’s volunteer coordinator. “With a duckling sitter close by to watch over the ducklings, we know that they will get the outdoor exposure they need without having to worry about their safety or exposure to the elements.”
The WRA treats hundreds of orphaned mallard ducklings every year and say they need time in outdoor enclosures to eat fresh food, exercise, socialize and waddle in the sun as it is an essential part of their healthy growth and development.
Duck-sitting volunteers must be at least 13 years old, attentive, patient and be able to be outside. The position will be open throughout the duckling season, which runs from May through August and volunteers can sign up for daily two-hour shifts between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
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“This position is vital to the long-term prospects of these young animals, and allows us to successfully rehabilitate them for a second chance in the wild,” says Broad.
To volunteer, sign up for an information session at www.wildliferescue.ca/volunteer or call the WRA administration line on 604 526 2747 for more information.
GALLERY: Photos courtesy of the WRA:
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