VOLUNTEERING, WHAT IS INVOLVED?
WHY ARE VOLUNTEERS SO IMPORTANT?
Raptor Rehab of Kentucky Incorporated, (RROKI), is an organization devoted to the rehabilitation and care of injured raptors. We also educate the public concerning a raptor's place in the ecosystem. As a volunteer with RROKI, you will have opportunities to participate in husbandry practices for raptors, medical treatment of sick or injured raptors, the care of our non-releasable animal ambassadors, and educational programs.
Raptor Rehab is a volunteer based organization. Volunteers provide daily care by cleaning enclosures, preparing meals, feeding, and making sure each bird has fresh water. We also provide medical treatment, and physical therapy to sick and injured birds. During heavy intake periods it is not uncommon to have more than 100 birds on property at any given time, in various stages of rehabilitation. Seven days a week, 365 days a year, no matter the weather outside, we have to clean and maintain enclosures, crates, feed, and medicate birds.
Some volunteers called "transporters" provide transportation by going to pick up sick and injured raptors from all over Kentucky. We require our transporters to have their own reliable vehicle and a valid license. These transporters do not work a traditional volunteer shift, but instead drive to and from their homes, to the bird's location, then back to RROKI when the finder cannot transport themselves.
WE RECOMMEND PROSPECTIVE VOLUNTEERS SCHEDULE A TOUR PRIOR TO COMMITTING TO VOLUNTEER WITH US!
Let the tour guide know you are interested in volunteering and they will discuss it more with you at the completion of the tour. This will allow you to see what you will be expected to do, prior to committing to volunteering. To schedule a tour, please send an email to raptorrehabofkentucky@gmail.com.
WHO CAN VOLUNTEER?
A typical volunteer shift includes the following:
After training is completed, volunteers should be capable of daily care of raptors. Volunteers can then be assigned to a regular shift, one day a week, which is compatible with your schedule, along with several other experienced volunteers. We count on volunteers to work as scheduled or to find a replacement when needed.
We hope that you are able to join us in our dedication to raptors, and that you become a part of the future of RROKI!
Raptor Rehab of Kentucky Incorporated, (RROKI), is an organization devoted to the rehabilitation and care of injured raptors. We also educate the public concerning a raptor's place in the ecosystem. As a volunteer with RROKI, you will have opportunities to participate in husbandry practices for raptors, medical treatment of sick or injured raptors, the care of our non-releasable animal ambassadors, and educational programs.
Raptor Rehab is a volunteer based organization. Volunteers provide daily care by cleaning enclosures, preparing meals, feeding, and making sure each bird has fresh water. We also provide medical treatment, and physical therapy to sick and injured birds. During heavy intake periods it is not uncommon to have more than 100 birds on property at any given time, in various stages of rehabilitation. Seven days a week, 365 days a year, no matter the weather outside, we have to clean and maintain enclosures, crates, feed, and medicate birds.
Some volunteers called "transporters" provide transportation by going to pick up sick and injured raptors from all over Kentucky. We require our transporters to have their own reliable vehicle and a valid license. These transporters do not work a traditional volunteer shift, but instead drive to and from their homes, to the bird's location, then back to RROKI when the finder cannot transport themselves.
WE RECOMMEND PROSPECTIVE VOLUNTEERS SCHEDULE A TOUR PRIOR TO COMMITTING TO VOLUNTEER WITH US!
Let the tour guide know you are interested in volunteering and they will discuss it more with you at the completion of the tour. This will allow you to see what you will be expected to do, prior to committing to volunteering. To schedule a tour, please send an email to raptorrehabofkentucky@gmail.com.
WHO CAN VOLUNTEER?
- Volunteers must be 18 years old.
- No previous experience necessary.
- You must be willing to commit a minimum of one shift per week.
- Hours are flexible - Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday are afternoon and evening shifts typically beginning around 3pm. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are day shifts beginning at 9am.
- It's a dirty job. Wear your oldest clothes and shoes.Raptors can be aggressive and very dangerous. The training regimen at RROKI is necessarily strict and thorough to protect all parties involved. Training includes a minimum of 12 sessions, once a week, depending on previous experience and individual advancement. The more interest you show, the faster you advance! Training shifts are Friday, Saturday and Sunday. After complete training on the basics, volunteers can then move to whichever shift best suits their individual schedule
A typical volunteer shift includes the following:
- Care of rodents (cleaning cages, feeding, and watering).
- Maintenance of equipment (cleaning crates and perches, oiling jesses, etc.).
- Preparing food for the raptors (these birds only eat meat usually mice, rats, quail, fish and occasionally other rodents)
- Record keeping.
- General knowledge and specific biographies of education birds.
- Care of raptors (cleaning areas, feeding, medical treatment and diagnosis).
- Handling raptors.
After training is completed, volunteers should be capable of daily care of raptors. Volunteers can then be assigned to a regular shift, one day a week, which is compatible with your schedule, along with several other experienced volunteers. We count on volunteers to work as scheduled or to find a replacement when needed.
We hope that you are able to join us in our dedication to raptors, and that you become a part of the future of RROKI!
