Volunteers wanted for wildlife rescue

The Wildlife Animal Rescue and Care Society is looking for volunteers on the Peninsula to assist in rescuing and caring for sick and injured native animals.

Volunteer Ms Leila Desborough of Umina said rescuing and caring for sick and injured wildlife can be one of the most rewarding things for local individuals and families to do.

"There is a tremendous need on the Peninsula for carers as there are only a couple at the moment and they are run off their feet," Ms Desborough said.

"Spring is the time babies need our help, along with the normal number of adult rescues, and these little ones need a lot of care.

"Some need to be fed through the night.

"When so few people are active, many animals have to wait a long time to get help.

"Everyone is doing their best but there are only so many hours in a day.

"Burn out is a big problem if the job isn't shared and we need help!"

Ms Desborough has been volunteering for Wildlife ARC for six years and was involved in similar organisations most of her life while living in the USA and Sydney.

Her husband Carl also helps out as a carer for Wildlife ARC, both sharing an interest in Australian wildlife and love of animals.

"I was formerly in Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife and when we moved to the Central Coast they told us about ARC," Ms Desborough said.

"We prefer all volunteer groups as their love and hearts are more involved.

"ARC cares for animals all over the Central Coast but a significant number of animals are on the Peninsula and we need help.

"ARC provides basic training courses that also include your basic rescue kit at various times of the year.

"If there isn't an upcoming course, a head trainer will take you under their wing and teach you one-on-one.

"Most people start with birds and then can take courses for possums, macropods, bats and reptiles.

"There is always someone available to help with your questions and for a guide.

"You can choose what you wish to do, and how many animals you wish to care for, so set your own limits.

"We need rescuers, carers and phone answering people in all areas.

"Also, we desperately need fundraisers as we now have to pay for all of our phone calls (this was donated previously at a low rate).

"Supplies are sometimes available at a reduced rate through ARC as well."

Ms Desborough is currently caring for a blind mother possum with a tiny baby in her pouch.

"She is in care for good but hopefully one day the little baby Chance will be living out in the wild," Ms Desborough said.

"She was doing her best to care for him but became too run down in her search for food without sight."

Ms Desborough said many vets in the area generously donated their services.

"The vets in the area, especially Leslie St Vet in Umina, are tireless in providing care for wildlife.

"They accept any animal that is dropped off and provide all needed treatment generously. "They prevent so much suffering and we are very grateful to them."

Ms Desborough also encouraged cat owners to be mindful of the spring season where young animals would be venturing out into the new world.

"This time of year many young animals are venturing out of their nests both day and night and are very vulnerable to cat attacks which are almost always fatal due to toxins in the cats claws," Ms Desborough said.

"It really is upsetting to spend so much time and love on a young animal and have to release it where cats are roaming at will.

"Please keep your cats inside day and night, at least for the spring.

"It's far better for your pet as well.

"They risk injury from cars and other animals when allowed to wander.

"Cat attacks and car accidents are probably the biggest reason wildlife comes into care in our area."

The Wildlife Animal Rescue and Care Society can be contacted on 4325 0666 or call the ARC hotline on 0500 551 121 and leave your details.

Clare Graham, 15 Oct 2009 Interviewee: Leila Desborough, Umina