Volunteers play key role at Mercer Wildlife Center

TRENTON, N.J. — National Volunteer Week (April 17-23) recognizes volunteers for the selfless contributions they make in their communities.

 

This year, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes shines a spotlight on the Park Commission’s Wildlife Center, where dozens of volunteers help the center fulfill its mission of caring for injured, ill and displaced native wildlife so they can be released back into an appropriate wild habitat.

 

“When the Mercer County Wildlife Center puts out a call for volunteers, the community responds,” Mr. Hughes said. “Veterinarians, college students and members of the general public play a key role in helping the center’s staff handle the heavy volume of patients and inquiries each year, and we are grateful for their interest in serving.”

 

 

The Wildlife Center, located on Route 29 in Hopewell Township, accepted and treated more than 2,800 birds, mammals and reptiles in 2021, and fielded more than 15,000 telephone calls from people with questions or concerns about wildlife. Orientations for new volunteers are held early in the spring to help the center gear up for its busy season, April to September, when injured and displaced animals are being cared for 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Volunteer duties are varied and include enclosure cleaning, diet preparation, laundry and many other behind-the-scenes tasks.

 

When COVID-19 protocols began in the spring of 2020, it was necessary to temporarily discontinue the Wildlife Center’s volunteer participation.  A stalwart group of volunteers returned at the end of 2020 and into early 2021. For the 2021 season, 34 hearty souls jumped in to work with the patients and staff to keep the center operational.

 

“We cannot thank them enough for their continued efforts,” Mr. Hughes said. “For the first time since 2019, the Wildlife Center held new volunteer orientations this year, and hopes to work its way back up to the 100 or more volunteers who have assisted the facility in years past.”

 

Community members also can assist the Wildlife Center by donating supplies such as paper towels, pet bowls, pet taxis, receiving blankets and more. For a list of needed supplies including brand names, click here.