In May 2021, I started volunteering at a wildlife animal rescue every Saturday. My normal jobs on a shift include cleaning and raking enclosures, refreshing water, feeding animals, washing dishes, and general tidy up. I have learned a lot about the native Australian wildlife that I wouldn’t have known about if I didn’t start volunteering. I was nervous at first since this was something that was completely new to me and I hadn’t really been around many of these animals.

There are normally several volunteers on each shift. We have to make sure that we are working as a team and communicating efficiently so that everything gets done and there is no confusion about what jobs have already been completed. Generally, we split off into teams and are responsible for all the tasks (cleaning, water, feeding) for the animals in that section.

As I have been at the rescue for over a year, I now supervise and support new volunteers so I can guide them through the sort of things we do each shift. I find my time at the rescue a really great way to remove myself from the pressures of school, and just connect with nature and the animals that I help care for.