Volunteer at Sunrise Wildlife: Being a volunteer at Sunrise Wildlife is more than just a shift—it’s a calling. From the crack of dawn to the quiet dusk, every moment at the sanctuary is filled with purpose. Whether it’s feeding rescued raccoons or helping a hawk stretch its wings again, the experience transforms not just the animals, but the people who show up every day to care for them.

This article walks through a full day in the shoes of a dedicated volunteer at Sunrise Wildlife, offering insight into their tasks, routines, emotions, and the meaningful relationships built between people and animals. If you’re curious about what it truly feels like to be immersed in the world of wildlife rehabilitation, read on.

What It’s Like to Be a Volunteer at Sunrise Wildlife

Working as a volunteer at Sunrise Wildlife is both rewarding and challenging. Each day blends structured duties with unpredictable moments of discovery. Volunteers begin their mornings with feeding and health checks, followed by cleaning habitats, providing enrichment, and assisting with medical treatments. Beyond the physical work, there’s an emotional aspect—watching animals recover, or helping them prepare for release back into the wild. The environment is collaborative and educational, filled with people who share a passion for wildlife and conservation. It’s a real-world wildlife volunteer experience that teaches patience, compassion, and commitment in a deeply personal way.

Overview Table

Activity	Description
Arrival & Briefing	Volunteers check in, review animal logs, and receive task assignments for the day.
Feeding Routines	Each animal is fed based on a specific diet plan tailored to its health and species.
Enclosure Cleaning	Habitats are cleaned and sanitized to maintain hygiene and prevent disease.
Enrichment Preparation	Volunteers create toys, puzzles, or activities to mentally stimulate the animals.
Medical Support	Assist with treatments, prepare medical supplies, or monitor animal behavior.
Team Breaks	Volunteers rest, share experiences, and connect with fellow team members.
Enrichment Implementation	Deliver enrichment items and observe animals’ reactions and behavior.
Final Feedings & Logs	Evening feeding is done and care notes are updated for the next shift.
Wrap-Up & Observation	Volunteers clean up, observe animals quietly, and ensure all are safe for the night.

Early Morning: Rise and Prepare

The day begins early—before the sun is fully up. At 6:30 AM, I arrive at the center and immediately review the overnight care logs. These reports are crucial because anything from a restless owl to a new arrival could impact the day’s plan. Once we’ve all checked in, we divide into teams and get ready to begin feeding.

Feeding isn’t as simple as tossing food into a dish. Every animal in the wildlife sanctuary has a tailored nutrition plan. Baby squirrels may need formula, while a red fox recovering from injury requires a high-protein mix. This moment of the morning is both quiet and intentional—a form of connection between caretaker and creature.

Mid-Morning: Cleaning and Enrichment

Once everyone is fed, it’s time to clean. No one enjoys scrubbing enclosures, but this is where the real hands-on animal care happens. Clean spaces are essential for healing, especially for injured or sick animals. We wear gloves, change bedding, disinfect surfaces, and double-check water sources.

Then comes the fun part: enrichment. Each species gets mental stimulation designed for their behavior. For raccoons, it could be a treat hidden in a puzzle feeder. For birds of prey, maybe it’s a chance to perch on new materials or engage in light flight exercises. Providing enrichment is one of the most creative and important parts of being a volunteer at Sunrise Wildlife.

Lunchtime: Team Rest and Bonding

Around midday, volunteers and staff gather in the outdoor seating area for lunch. This is the time to pause, reflect, and share insights from the morning. We talk about quirky animal habits, ask for advice, and sometimes just enjoy the silence of being in a natural space.

Being part of this team is special. There’s no judgment—just shared commitment. Whether someone’s on their first day or fifth year, every voice matters. This sense of community is what keeps many coming back, long after their initial volunteer hours are complete.

Afternoon: Medical Care and Monitoring

After lunch, many volunteers shift into assisting with medical treatments. Not everyone handles the animals directly during this time, but support roles are just as vital. We prep syringes, note temperatures, or gently hold an animal while the vet does a quick checkup.

I remember helping during the treatment of a turtle with a cracked shell. Watching the process taught me about more than biology—it taught me about resilience. These creatures want to live, and as a wildlife support volunteer, you become part of that story.

Evening: Winding Down and Final Checks

By late afternoon, the sanctuary starts to slow. We perform the second feeding, tidy up again, and update care logs. One of the final tasks is simply observing. We sit near enclosures and quietly watch the animals: how they move, how they eat, how they rest. Observation tells us things we can’t always see during busy hours.

Logging the day’s events is key. We note everything: which fox seemed lethargic, which hawk is flapping more than usual, which baby raccoons are finally eating solids. These notes allow for seamless handover to the evening team and continued excellent care.

Highlights of the Volunteer Experience

• Hands-On Animal Care: Engage directly with a variety of species in recovery and rehabilitation.
  
• Team Environment: Learn from experienced staff and passionate volunteers in a supportive setting.
  

Emotional Takeaways

The emotional side of volunteering is powerful. Some animals won’t make it—but many do. I’ve seen a broken-winged owl take flight again, and a malnourished fawn grow strong enough to run. The journey isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Volunteering also brings personal growth. You learn how to listen better, how to adapt, and how to lead. Most importantly, you learn that small acts—like gently placing fresh straw in a fox’s den—can lead to big recoveries.

FAQs

Conclusion

Spending a day as a volunteer at Sunrise Wildlife is more than a behind-the-scenes look at animal rescue—it’s a full immersion into compassion, community, and purpose. Every moment spent here shapes not only the lives of recovering animals but also the heart of the person helping them heal.

If you’re considering joining a wildlife rehabilitation center, don’t wait. Whether for a week or a year, the impact you make—on both animals and yourself—will last a lifetime. Share your thoughts below or ask a question, and don’t forget to explore more about how you can get involved in local sanctuary work near you.