Thank you for your interest in the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Edmonton (WRS)! We hope to encourage your interest and enthusiasm in wildlife. We want to make your time with us safe and fulfilling and maximize your potential to aid the society and the wildlife we care for.
WRS is a non-profit, registered society that was established in 1989, formerly under the name "Alberta Bird Rescue Association". The society was founded by Kim Blomme, an Animal Health Technologist, who continues to serve the society in many ways.
Since 1989, we have taken in thousands of injured and orphaned wildlife. Primarily, we care for birds and small mammals. We have a permit with both the Canadian Wildlife Service and Alberta Environment to have wildlife in captivity with the intention of providing medical care and to ultimately release the animal into the wild again. A volunteer Board of Directors meets regularly to direct the growth and development of the society and several veterinarians, both on and off-site, provide assessments, medical treatment protocols, diagnostics and surgery if needed.
We are the only wildlife shelter in Edmonton and the only one north of Red Deer. Our goal is to "provide compassionate care to injured and orphaned wildlife". With the assistance of excellent volunteers, we know we can make that happen!
Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteer Opportunities available at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Edmonton include:
- Animal Care Provider / Intake Coordinator
- Wildlife Hotline
- Wildlife Pick-up
- Junior Wildlife Ambassador Program
- Core Team Special Events
- Community Awareness and Education
- Administration
- Shelter Maintenance
You are not excluded to one role; you can do any combination of the roles above. You can also let us know if you have other interests in roles that may not be listed as we would like to find a role that fits you. We consider all of these positions vital to our success and there is room for growth and expansion of knowledge in all of them.
All positions carry with them the responsibility of being a good ambassador for the society. To learn more about the volunteer opportunities please read here.
Our patients:
WRS cares for over 1,000 wildlife patients annually. 85% of these patients are birds and 15% are mammals.
Mammals we treat include: Red Squirrels, White Tail Prairie Hares, Porcupines, Muskrats, Red Foxes, Northern Flying Squirrels, Richardson's Ground Squirrels, Beavers, White-tailed Deer and Mule Deer fawns.
15% of the birds we see are raptors (Owls, Hawks, Falcons, Eagles and Vultures), 20% are waterfowl (Ducks, Geese, Grebes, and Swans) and 65% are songbirds (Robins, Black-capped Chickadees).
Release rates vary depending on the species of animal and the extent of their injuries their upon admittance. The sad news is that a number of the patients will either have to be humanely euthanized due to their injuries or will die due to complicating factors.
We must remember that they are under a lot of stress when injured and in captivity. We must do all we can to either rehabilitate them or end their suffering. Personal feelings about animals can be strong and feelings of loss can occur when patients pass away. We encourage you to always talk to staff members if you have any questions.
Please note:
- You must be 18 years of age or older in order to volunteer.
- Zoonosis are disease-causing organisms that can pass from animals to man. There is a risk involving working with wildlife and by continuing with the volunteer process you are accepting this risk. If you are immune-compromised for any reason please do not put yourself at higher risk. We have lots of other opportunities that do not involve working with the animals.
- In order to volunteer with the animals you must have a current tetanus vaccination. If you would like to help with the mammals then you must also have a rabies vaccination. It is not a requirement to be vaccinated against rabies in order to volunteer. 85% of our patients are birds so if you choose to not get vaccinated against rabies, there will always be plenty of animals for you to help care for.
- Please do not bring friends with you on your volunteer shifts. Though we welcome new volunteers and you referring us to friends/family, everyone must first attend a volunteer orientation before volunteering for WRS. This way, we ensure safety for both our patients and volunteers.
- Pictures taken of the animals must first be approved by the animal care manager, if there is a special patient you would like to photograph please check with the animal care manager first.
< Return to "How to Volunteer"
