The Mercer County Wildlife Center, which accepted and treated more than 2,400 birds, mammals and reptiles in 2016, will be holding orientations for new volunteers at the facility in Hopewell Township. New animals are constantly arriving.
Volunteer orientation sessions for 2017 are scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 18, and 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, March 26, at the Wildlife Center. Those who are interested are required to attend only one of the two sessions for this unique opportunity.
“This facility is one of a kind, both in terms of quality of care provided by the staff, including seven volunteer veterinarians, and the high volume of animals that are treated,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes. “And the many volunteers who assist our Wildlife Center are indispensable. I urge anyone who might be interested to volunteer.”
Volunteers must be able to commit to one, four-hour shift, once per week, from April through September. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and have a current tetanus vaccine, and are required to attend one orientation session. No other sessions will be offered this year. Volunteer duties are varied and include enclosure cleaning, diet preparation, laundry and many other behind-the-scenes opportunities.
The Mercer County Wildlife Center is owned by the County of Mercer and operated by the Mercer County Park Commission. The center is located on Route 29 in Hopewell Township, approximately 12 miles north of Trenton. To register for either orientation session, or for more information, contact Volunteer Coordinator Jane Rakos-Yates at [email protected] or (609) 303-0552, ext. 103.
For more information about the Mercer County Wildlife Center or other facilities within the Mercer County Park Commission, visit www.mercercountyparks.org.
