Oregon Wildlife Hospital Seeks Volunteers to Save Animals

An Oregon wildlife hospital is opening its doors to animal lovers who want to make a real difference in their community.

Think Wild Animal Hospital in Bend is searching for new volunteers to help care for injured wildlife. The hospital especially needs people who can work weekday evenings from 4 to 8 p.m. and weekends.

The best part? No prior experience is required. Think Wild offers a four-phase training program that gradually teaches volunteers how to handle and treat injured animals safely.

"Really, most skills that are out there, we can find a use for in the volunteer program," says Hailee Newman, the hospital's education and volunteer manager. Whether you're good with kids, love writing, or just want hands-on animal care experience, there's a role that fits.

Training sessions run from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. starting February 3rd. Topics include general hospital orientation, operating the wildlife hotline, rescue and transport, baby animal care, and safe wildlife handling. Each session ends with an open-note quiz, then volunteers can sign up for shifts.

The Ripple Effect

Every volunteer hour at Think Wild helps more than just individual animals. The hospital runs educational programs that teach communities about wildlife conservation. It also leads habitat restoration projects that create healthier environments for local species.

When volunteers step up, injured eagles get another chance to soar. Baby raccoons separated from their mothers receive around-the-clock care. And entire ecosystems benefit from people who choose to give their time.

The hospital also needs writers to share animal success stories on its blog and educators to work with children. These behind-the-scenes roles spread awareness and inspire the next generation of wildlife protectors.

Interested volunteers can sign up for training at thinkwildco.org/volunteer-calendar or email hailee@thinkwildco.org with questions. The February training series fills up quickly, so early registration helps.

Central Oregon's wildlife has a team of dedicated professionals ready to teach anyone who wants to help.