The Mercer County Wildlife Center, a facility that cares for wild birds and animals who become injured, ill or displaced, is seeking volunteers.
The Center is staffed by one full-time licensed wildlife rehabilitator and two part-time assistants. During 2002, more that 1,800 birds and mammals were brought to the Center. The Center also responded to more than 10,000 phone calls.
To work directly with the animals, volunteers need to commit to a regular four-hour shift from April until October, due to the feeding requirements and housing demands of the animals. The center provides the training. Other roles with more flexibility include setting up and sales at monthly flea markets, helping with fund-raising efforts or staffing a community outreach events such as Pennington Day or Hopewell Harvest Fair.
The center also needs a maintenance crew to work outside cleaning the bird and animal cages, as well as construction support.
Volunteer orientations for 2003 will be held on Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The orientation will include a tour of the center. Volunteers must at least be 18 years of age. The orientations are mandatory for anyone who wants to work with the animals.
The facility is located on Route 29, just south of Lambertville, on the grounds of the Mercer County Corrections Center.
For more information or to register, e-mail [email protected] or call Kathy Coffey at (609) 219-0090.

