Peace River Wildlife Center

Volunteer Code of Conduct

It is acknowledged that Peace River Wildlife Center (PRWC) would be very difficult to run if we did not have volunteer help and we wish to provide a pleasant working environment for our volunteers. However, PRWC reserves the right to dismiss any volunteer who does not follow instructions given by staff. The following are guidelines for volunteers assisting at PRWC:

• Please do not wear any fragrances—perfume, cologne, aftershave, lotions, etc
• Sign in at the office before beginning work in the notebook and sign out when leaving
• Volunteers are never to handle the birds or mammals in our care unless asked by a rehabber
• If you must miss a scheduled shift, please notify the office as soon as possible so we may arrange coverage
• Wear closed toe shoes. Sandals are acceptable only for gift shop or tour guide volunteers
• Please ensure that you take the necessary precautions regarding sun and heat exposure
• It is recommended that a tetanus vaccination be current for hospital and habitat cleaning volunteers
• Please keep your emergency contact info updated in the office
• Habitat cleaners should wear gloves and eye protection
• Disposable gloves will be provided for cleaning, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own heavier (Platex Living) gloves, especially if allergic to latex, etc
• Outside workers are encouraged to bring and drink lots of water. Refills are available in the office
• The minimal amount of time necessary should be spent in the habitats when cleaning or delivering food. Do not talk to the residents. Do not talk to other people while you are inside a habitat
• All volunteers are to be polite and helpful to visitors at all times. If you cannot answer a question, find someone who may be able to help (a rehabber, tour guide, etc.) Do not make up an answer. “I don’t know” is a preferable answer to a made up one. It makes us all look bad if people get a different answer each time they ask the same question of multiple people
• If a volunteer has a question concerning a procedure or policy, (s)he should ask the Volunteer Coordinator or a Rehabber
• Gift shop volunteers will be trained how to operate the register and credit card machine

Thank you for making it possible for us to care for the injured and orphaned wildlife brought to us. We sincerely appreciate your desire to help.

Volunteer Guidelines

We want PRWC to be a safe and peaceful place for all who enter. These guidelines have been developed for the benefit of our patients, residents, volunteers, visitors, and staff. Please remember that our primary goal is to rehabilitate and release wild animals. This requires minimizing their contact with people.

Simple Reminders

• The hospital is for recovering animals. Please avoid the area unless specifically asked to help with a task in there
• The animals in the hospital and flight cages are wild. Please do not talk to them
• Speak in quiet voices inside the hospital and around the residents
• Wear sensible shoes while working
• No fragrances—perfume, cologne, after-­‐shave, lotions, etc. It can be an irritant to the animals
• Stay within on the boardwalk unless you are a cleaner, feeder, or have permission form the staff
• You are considered a visitor on your non-­‐scheduled time
• Always ask a rehabber on duty if you may enter a restricted area
• Please get permission from the rehabber before bringing friends or family with you during your work assignment. If granted, they will need to complete a volunteer application. Their work assignment will be determined by the rehabber on duty

General Checklist for Assignments

Habitat Cleaners

• Scrub water bowls and fill to the brim except where otherwise indicated (i.e. red shouldered hawk bowls should be less than ½ full)
• Pick up and bag leftover food and leaf litter, but do not include excessive amounts of sand
• Scrub railings, perches, and platforms with dilute bleach. Rinse thoroughly
• Rake sand even throughout habitat—floor should always be level
• Check cages for any weak points where predators (snakes, rats, raccoons, etc.) could enter
• Sweep boardwalk, pick up debris

Crush cans. Hospital Helpers

• Clean cages
• Food preparation
• Wash dishes
• Sweep floors
• Empty trash
• Do laundry