strickley reptiles - australia

Far fewer volunteer for animal rehab and state bureaucracy is seen as a main cause

23.02.12

Winter is a slow time at Steve Serwatka's wildlife-rehabilitation clinic deep in the Pine Barrens.

The volunteer takes care of domesticated skunks, owls maimed by cars and a collection of reptiles he keeps in aquariums. But soon he will be busy caring for dozens of baby birds and animals orphaned by passing cars, predators and other calamities.

"I think of quitting every year," he said. "You can't go anywhere when you have animals to care for."

He is not alone. In New Jersey, California and Florida, organizations that help rehabilitate injured wildlife say they have fewer volunteers

In New Jersey, the number of volunteers licensed to care for sick or injured wildlife has dwindled in the past decade, from 65 in 2003 to 28 last year. Volunteers are especially scarce in southern New Jersey.

The reasons are many: lack of time, a sluggish economy and the rising costs of caring for animals, but another element that worries rehabilitators is the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife's strict licensing and oversight. The state requires paperwork on every animal, continuing education and on-site inspections, all of which are considered an imposition for people who spend their own time and money to play Good Samaritan.

Source: Press of Atlantic City