WA Wildlife is seeking duckling volunteers in Perth as its spring and summer care season gets underway.
Many ducklings reach the hospital after losing their parents or becoming separated from their family.
In its duckling season information, WA Wildlife describes patients as “orphaned, displaced or separated from their parents”.
The organisation’s duckling rehabilitation guide explains how roads, swimming pools and other urban hazards can lead to rescues.
Mother ducks can be killed while leading their young across roads. Ducklings can also become trapped in pools or drains.
The guide also describes cases where poorly managed rescues separate ducklings from their parents, creating an avoidable need for care.
The organisation cares for about 900 ducklings across the season, according to reporting published on 14 September.
Volunteers help at WA Wildlife Hospital in Bibra Lake, within the Cockburn Wetlands Precinct.
Tasks include cleaning duckling enclosures, preparing food and feeding the birds. No previous experience is required.
Caring for the ducklings involves different stages as they grow, with changes to their housing, food and daily care.
WA Wildlife’s guide, written by Dean Huxley and updated in 2021, explains:
“For successful rehabilitation (rearing), ducklings should be rehabilitated in three stages.
“Each stage is different in terms of diet, husbandry and enrichment.”
The guide describes warmth and assessment on arrival, followed by care that prepares the birds for release.
In its seasonal recruitment appeal, WA Wildlife says:
“Duckling season has arrived and we need as much help as we can get!”
Its volunteering information also explains the opportunity:
“Our many programs offer incredible opportunities to gain skills and work with wildlife.”
The organisation provides training for volunteers. Its general requirements do not require animal-care qualifications for non-veterinary roles.
How to join the duckling volunteer team
The seasonal appeal asks applicants to meet the following requirements:
- Age: 18 years or older.
- Commitment: three hours weekly or fortnightly, over three to six months.
- Shifts: two to three hours from 10am or 5pm, available every day.
- Location: WA Wildlife Hospital, 172 Hope Road, Bibra Lake.
- Application: email volunteering@wawildlife.org.au with your name, date of birth, availability and contact details.
WA Wildlife’s general volunteer policy lists a $20 registration fee and a $50 uniform fee for accepted applicants.
The uniform fee falls due after the first volunteering activity. Applicants can ask whether these fees apply to the seasonal team.
A current tetanus vaccination is recommended under the organisation’s general volunteer policy.
WA Wildlife says its hospital treats more than 6,500 animals annually, covering 280 species.
The hospital remains open with additional biosecurity measures while the organisation monitors H5 bird flu.
Anyone finding a sick or dead bird should avoid handling it and call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Read our rolling Australian bird flu update for the latest verified developments and advice.
