WORKING BEES FOR WILDLIFE CARERS

A FEW THINGS FOR VOLUNTEERS TO CONSIDER

What to bring :

A water bottle.

Snacks for yourself, lunch - if the plan is to work all day.

If working outside ; a hat, long sleeved shirt, covered shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, work-gloves if you have them.

Look after yourself :

Stay hydrated.

Try to keep out of the sun as much as possible.

Don't do anything dangerous - don't use tools you are unfamiliar with, use appropriate safety gear.

Use your brain and think about safety for yourself, even when following instructions.

General info:

Please respect the carer's home and property.

Pay attention and follow instructions. However, if you are asked to do something you feel uncomfortable doing, politely decline.

Once you've completed the tasks, if you can see something else that might need to be done, feel free to offer. A carer may be embarrassed to ask you to do a small job like the washing up or mopping the kitchen floor, but will probably say yes if you offer.

If you don't finish the work set, that's ok - we're just doing what we can in the time we have.

If you wish to offer to come back and do more, you can give your details to the carer and they can contact you directly if you like. Some carers would very much appreciate regular help.

Report back after to give feedback and suggestions.

Regarding animals :

You may at some point be invited to hold an animal or give it some pats. Feel free to ask, but be aware that it may not be possible.

Very small, injured or traumatised animals are sensitive and will find attention disturbing, so you will only get to hold or pat an animal that will enjoy it.

Many animals are sensitive to loud noises or sudden moves. Ask before you make loud noises, play music or use machinery. Pay close attention to any instructions regarding the animals in care.

Specifically about bats :

Only vaccinated carers are allowed to touch bats. Bats can carry the Australian bat lyssavirus, which is fatal! You can't get infected by being near bats or by touching their wee, poo or blood. You have to be bitten or have orifices or broken skin exposed to infected saliva. So it would be safe to clean out an empty bat cage, but not safe to be in a space where a bat could potentially bite you. The carers who look after bats know all this, but it's worth having awareness yourself so you do not inadvertently put yourself in danger. The carers are tired and will not be watching your every step.

More info about the bat virus here... https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/infectious/factsheets/pages/rabies-australian-bat-lyssavirus-infection.aspx