Bend Wildlife Hospital Seeks Volunteers for Rescue Work

Injured owls, baby squirrels, and wounded deer across Central Oregon are about to get more helping hands.

Think Wild Animal Hospital in Bend is opening its doors to a fresh wave of volunteers who want to make a real difference for wildlife in need. The nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center announced it's launching a series of in-person training sessions this February.

The organization is especially looking for people who can commit to weekday evenings and weekend shifts. These are the hours when many injured animals arrive and when extra hands matter most.

Think Wild has built a reputation across Oregon for giving wild animals a second chance at life. The hospital treats everything from birds hit by cars to mammals caught in fences, nursing them back to health before releasing them into their natural habitats.

The training program will teach volunteers essential skills like safely handling different species, basic animal care, and how to recognize signs of distress. No previous experience with wildlife is required, just a genuine passion for helping animals and the ability to follow safety protocols.

The Ripple Effect

Every volunteer hour at Think Wild creates waves of positive impact beyond individual animals. When injured wildlife receives proper care, it helps maintain healthy ecosystems across Central Oregon. Rehabilitated predators return to control rodent populations, while recovered pollinators get back to supporting local plant life.

Volunteers also become ambassadors for wildlife conservation in their communities. They share knowledge about coexisting peacefully with local animals and preventing injuries in the first place. Many former volunteers report that the experience changed how they view and interact with nature.

The expanded volunteer base means Think Wild can help more animals without turning any away due to staffing limitations. Last year alone, similar wildlife rehabilitation centers across Oregon treated thousands of injured animals, with volunteers providing the majority of direct care hours.

People interested in joining can expect a rewarding experience that combines hands-on animal care with education about local ecosystems. The time commitment varies, but even a few hours per month can save lives.

Central Oregon's wildlife will have more champions watching over them this spring.