WILDLIFE rescue service WIRES, is paying homage to its vast network of more than 2500 volunteers last month for their contribution to the rescue, care and release of over 68,000 injured, orphaned and sick animals in the past twelve months.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
WIRES volunteers include Shannon King and Julie Allan who cared for countless number of native animals injured during the recent bushfires and 22-year-old Casey Poolman who has raised thousands of dollars for the organisation.
“WIRES volunteers donate time, energy and passion toward the lives of countless animals each year. On International Volunteer Day, many will receive letters of thanks for their service to the community,” says Leanne Taylor, General Manager of WIRES.
During the month of October, horrific bushfires travelled through areas of the Blue Mountains and Central Coast leaving hundreds of native animals injured and sick with burns and smoke inhalation. During this stressful time, carers in these areas carried on as usual to help stricken wildlife.
“I have been caring for native animals extensively for the past three years and it was amazing to see the community come together during the bushfires to help the amazing animals we have in the Blue Mountains,” says Shannon King, WIRES volunteer.
Shannon took in lizards, possums and snakes in great need of care some of which will be in long-term care as the appropriate habitat to support them has been completely decimated.
Julie Allan of the Central Coast was evacuated during the bushfires along with the animals in her care, and after clearance from the Rural Fire Service, returned to continue helping more.
“I have a great love of all animals but especially our diverse native fauna. I think we owe our native wildlife a lot because we destroy their habitat. We have to look after them,” says Julie Allan, WIRES volunteer.
“I get a great sense of happiness knowing I have helped to release some animals from the bushfires back to where they should be. There is no other feeling like it.”
At just 22-years-old, Casey Poolman has helped raise thousands of dollars for her local branch on the Central Coast with activities like BBQ’s at the local Bunning’s and coordinating stalls for events like the Kids Day Out.
“It’s good for people my age to get involved in fundraising activities because it is so much fun. We get to educate kids about WIRES and what we do as well as be together all day having a great time for a great cause,” says Casey Poolman, WIRES volunteer.
In her 26 years with WIRES, life long carer Louise O’Brien has been instrumental in saving hundreds of native birds, gliders, kangaroos, flying foxes, possums, wallaroos and wombats and has just had the pleasure of taking her first koala into care.
“I got involved because of the frustration of seeing so much road kill out here in the Central West and not knowing what to do about it. At the time, I knew that for domestic pets, help was readily available, but not so much for our natives,” says Louise O’Brien, WIRES volunteer.
“I wouldn’t have known the first thing about how to check for a living joey in the pouch of a dead kangaroo I saw on the side of the road. Since learning how, I’ve rescued and saved so many!
“Our wildlife is so unique, and there is still so much for us to learn. Looking after them is never mundane and the buzz you get from giving an animal a second chance at life is such a thrill.”
Leanne Taylor, General Manager of WIRES states, “International Volunteer Day is celebrated annually and the thousands of volunteers that help keep Australia ticking should be recognized for their great work.”
“Collectively, our WIRES volunteers are contributing to the conservation of native animal populations in Australia; and it’s this legacy that we are all proud to be a part of!”
B To find out how to become a volunteer with WIRES go to www.wires.org.au or phone 8977 3388.
