Volunteering at RROKI

Volunteering at Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky Incorporated is more than just giving up a few hours of leisure time each week.  Caring for injured and/or orphaned birds of prey requires a commitment to hard work and continuing education.  RROKI's primary mission is to rehabilitate sick and injured birds of prey for the purpose of releasing them back into the environment.  We are also committed to educating the public about the need for raptors in the delicate balance of nature.  To this end, RROKI also invests hundreds of hours each year providing educational outreach programs.

If you decide to volunteer at RROKI you will start out learning the "grunt work."  This means cleaning cages, preparing food, helping with building projects, maintenance and caring for a live rodent population. 

You'll then graduate to training in bird handling, medical procedures and detailed information about raptors.  Seminars on wing wraps, basic first aid, and updates on federal regulations are provided.

While the commitment of caring for RROKI's rehab and permanent residents is labor intensive, the rewards are tremendous.  Primarily, it is the opportunity to see these magnificent birds close at hand.  Also, there is the reward of seeing an injured bird successfully released.  For those interested in nature and the preservation of our environment, there is the long reaching impact of providing care for endangered and protected species.  RROKI is an excellent opportunity for future scientists, veterinarians, or naturalists to gain firsthand experience.  The training is grueling, the work is intense.  But you'll leave RROKI every week feeling a sense of accomplishment. 

We won't kid you though, this type of volunteer work is not for everyone.  You need to have a strong sense of commitment.  You need to be the type of person who will show up for your scheduled weekly rotation even when the temperature dips into the low 'teens.  These birds rely on us to survive until they can be released back into their natural environment.  You need to have a sense of adventure when dealing with these birds.  At the same time you need to have a great deal of respect for their magnificent abilities and attitudes, even when they're down.  So unless you want to work with some of mother nature's most glorious creations in a way most people never get to, unless you want to learn about the environment in a way that most of your friends never will, unless you're prepared to work consistent hours every week, think twice about whether you have what it takes to be a RROKI volunteer.

Do you have what it takes?

If you think you do then fill out our application and send it in.

Someone will contact you soon!