Join the most rewarding program at the Wildlife Waystation - Volunteering. Our dedicated volunteers actively participate in every aspect of life on our wild and exotic animal sanctuary. Hear the roars of thanks from Lions and Tigers as you plant shade trees. Revel in the knowledge that you “gave something back” to these marvelous creatures.
After a day’s work and an amazing sense of accomplishment, the animals will thank you!! Volunteer orientation is held the 2nd Saturday of every month (weather permitting).
Thank you for expressing your interest in being a part of the Wildlife Waystation community! The following should help you with your inquiries and provide you the information you are seeking regarding joining our Volunteer Program.
The Wildlife Waystation has been in operation for over 30 years. Thousands of injured, abused, and abandoned animals have made their way through our gates – many of those who couldn’t be returned to their native environment have became permanent residents here. With all of these animals, we need dependable, caring volunteers who can commit themselves to the Wildlife Waystation Volunteer Program.
Our volunteers are a crucial part of the Wildlife Waystation. They assist with educating the public through our Outreach and Special Events programs, coordinate fundraising activities, help with ranch maintenance and cleaning, pick up donated produce, run various recycling programs, provide animal enrichment and participate in animal handling. Now we realize that everyone has their own special interests; some of you may be more interested in wolves, others in big cats, and others in reptiles, etc. That’s great and you will have the opportunity to learn more about them. However, it is imperative for all volunteers to participate in a variety of areas. Some folks think that when they come up, they simply attend orientation and voila! You get to start handling lions! Since the safety of our animals and volunteers is first and foremost, we have a process for volunteers to go through before they would be working hands on with animals. Our volunteers do not handle, Lions, Tigers or other Big cats, Bears, Chimps and other select animals due to safety and regulations.
We welcome new volunteers each month at an introductory Orientation held on the second Saturday of each month, weather permitting (occasionally there will be exceptions to this so please check with the office for dates). At Orientation, you will be given an overview of the expectations and opportunities that are available to volunteers. The Orientation runs from 9 am to 12 pm and includes a walk about through the Compound so that you can meet our many residents and hear their stories. There is an optional educational animal experience from 12 pm to 1 pm.
After attending this introductory session, potential volunteers need to participate in 4 orientation activities to complete the Orientation process. These activities are held over several weekends and details will be provided at Orientation. Once you have completed the orientation process, then you may come up to volunteer any day of the week from 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 3:30 pm.
If you are interested in attending an Orientation, please call the office at 818-899-5201. Everyone who will attend the orientation must fill out the volunteer application and bring it with them. The fee is $25.00. You will need to bring your lunch and plenty of water and wear weather appropriate clothes and hiking boots or shoes with a good tread. You must be 18 to volunteer. We expect our volunteers to put in a minimum of 8 hours of volunteering per month. Volunteer applications can be downloaded here from our website.
Thank you again for your interest. It is always wonderful to know that there are people out there who truly care about animals and want to contribute their time and energy to the animal community. We look forward to seeing you at Orientation.
Reservations and a completed Volunteer Application are required. Please call to find out more. Applicants must be 18 years or older.
