Did you know that the
World Bird Sanctuary has a Junior Volunteer program? Some of our best and most valued volunteers began
volunteering as a “Junior” volunteer.
Shayne Sifford, for
instance, began as a “Junior volunteer” back in February 2012. Junior volunteers are not allowed
to handle the Birds Of Prey. However, Shayne and all junior volunteers are able to
handle many of our mammals and reptiles during Junior Volunteer years.
Shayne Sifford handling Oliver the Screech Owl (photo: Mike Zieloski)
Once a Junior Volunteer
reaches the magic age of 16, and has been volunteering for over 40 hours, they are
eligible to begin handling the Birds Of Prey on a case-by-case basis. Much of it depends on the person’s
understanding of how their body movements and actions affect a bird behaviorally. If a person is calm and can read the
bird’s behavior then progress can be made.
Shayne began handling
Birds Of Prey under the close supervision of staff members. The pictures of Shayne with Oliver the
Eastern Screech Owl, shows how much Shayne has advanced. I love Shayne and his big heart. I am glad to see this young man make such
great progress.
Shayne is now 18 and will
be a Senior at Lindbergh High School in August 2015. His enthusiasm and strong work ethic never ceases to make me
smile.
If you are between the
ages of 13 and 16 you, too, can be a Junior Volunteer! If you are 16 or older you can become a
full-fledged volunteer eligible to handle birds of prey. No prior experience with birds is
necessary. All training will be
provided under the close supervision of our experienced staff.
If you are interested in
volunteering, go to our website and fill out the junior volunteer application and then
be ready to attend our once per month Volunteer Orientation.
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