Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society wouldn't be able to run without volunteers, says bird care supervisor Rob Hope.
"We see almost 500 birds each year. It would be hard just to pay enough people to do everything around here, so volunteers are the lifeline. We wouldn't be here without them," he says.
Volunteers at OWL help out in a variety of ways.
"Basically, they do everything," he says.
Examples include picking up birds, cleaning the cages, feeding the birds, cutting the grass and helping with some basic medical treatment.
Hope notes OWL has seen volunteers come from other countries (including France, Italy, Germany and Switzerland) to help out at the Delta facility.
The society is dedicated to public education and the rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned birds.
Shawn LaRoche, who has been volunteering at OWL for about a year, says although it can get hectic at times, he finds being around the birds kind of calming.
Those interested in volunteering can visit www.owlcanada.org or call 604-946-3171 for an interview.
OWL has an open house on April 26 and 27. A bird will be released around 1 p.m. each day.
