Manning the WILVOS 5441 6200 Hotline can be a stressful time. There may be no calls for a couple of hours and then a few come in one after another. Members of the public are often surprised that they get to speak to a ‘real person’!
WILVOS have a great system where the Hotline volunteer can call someone else and help is immediately at hand. Often people will look at the cute native animals and say, ‘that’s a good job you’ve got’, not realizing we are all volunteers. Everyone contributes in different ways as our lives are all so diverse.
My universe revolves around the rescue, rehabilitate and release of native animals but there are some mundane chores attached. Not my favourite job, record keeping is so important for the future of our wildlife. All details are recorded as one location may be a ‘hotspot’ and this data can then lead to fauna crossings being installed.
When we input such data as weights and diet, this information is beneficial to check on the health of the animal. It is also a good reference further down the track when we once again have that particular species come into care.
It is very difficult to assess an animals exact weight under all the feathers and fur so the Sunday weigh-in is now a regular ritual. Sometimes it’s difficult containing them on the scales!
Donna Brennan Wildlife Volunteers Assoc Inc (WILVOS) PO Box 4805 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre Q 4560 PH 5441 6200 www.wilvos.org.au