Ever wondered where volunteering with us can take you? Hear what Maddy had to say…
“My name is Maddy and I am currently doing maternity cover as an assistant manager at the Scottish SPCA National Wildlife Rescue Centre. I have been at the centre for almost two years now, after previously volunteering for the Society for one year.
“I started volunteering during lockdown as a wildlife driver which involved transporting animals from the wildlife sheds in Glasgow and Lanarkshire to the wildlife hospital. This was a great experience as I was able to learn a lot about handling different species of wildlife, particularly birds and small mammals. The most exciting animal I transported was a grey heron as I had never had the opportunity to see one up close before!
“Alongside volunteering as a wildlife driver I also volunteered in the small mammal section at the centre. From doing this I learned lots more about what was involved in caring for hedgehogs and I was able to assist with tasks such as cleaning and feeding. Volunteering in the section allowed me to learn skills that I could then bring to the role when I was successful in becoming a seasonal wildlife assistant in 2021.
“Working at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre is incredibly rewarding, and every day is completely different! We have four different sections (small mammals, large mammals, birds and seals) so depending on what section you are working in you could be caring for a wide range of different species.
“Most wildlife comes in to our care from volunteer wildlife drivers or our animal rescue officers. Wildlife arrives from all over Scotland so we never know what to expect!
“In the spring and summer we are kept particularly busy rearing orphaned birds and mammals, some of which we will need to feed up to every hour!
“My favourite part of my job is getting to release the animals that we have cared for back into the wild. One of my favourite moments was releasing two juvenile buzzards, who we had named Marcus and Lightyear. It was amazing to see them progress from when they first came into the centre as chicks to then be able to see them take their first flight in the wild. I feel very lucky to be able to work for the Society with such incredible wildlife and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”
Volunteering is an amazing way to gain valuable skills for a career in animal welfare. Find our latest opportunities here: http://bit.ly/3IHQA7N
