Many ordinary people want to rescue sick and stranded animals but there are limits to what they can do. Many places require training to be an animal rescuer, carer, or rehabilitator. To rescue an animal requires obtaining a permit from government authorities. Instead, what many ordinary people can do is to volunteer at local animal rescue shelters or places.
The author of “Iguanas for Dummies,” Melissa Kaplan writes about her experiences as rehabilitator of reptiles. According to Ms. Kaplan, reptiles are a major problem for animal rescuers since so many are cast off as pets. She suggests that the first step for all animal carers is to educate people on how hard it is to care for non-traditional pets. For example, iguanas require exacting conditions for heat, light, and water. One step in animal rescue is education about what animals make good pets.
Should a person come across an injured wild animal, call the local humane society or animal control. Do not attempt to move or handle the animal. (This may cause more distress to the animal, and could result in injury to the person, too.) The humane society will instruct how to safely move and transport the animal.
One problem encountered by people in coastal areas is marine animals accidentally stranding themselves on a beach. With the exception of seals, other marine animals are usually in serious danger of dying if they are not returned to the ocean. Do not touch the animal, because that will distress the already sick animal more and would also result in injury to you. Immediately contact the local rescue group for marine animals, which is usually associated with an aquarium or marine park. They will give instructions for what to do before they arrive to rescue the stranded animal.
Animal rescue can be many things to many people. Some people can get help for a stranded marine animal. Other people can train to be an animal carer or rehabilitator.
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Drawing of "Baby Sa" copyrighted by Mary Ann Sterling
Va. Carper
March 3, 2003