ADULTS and CHILDREN (ages 10 and up, under 18 with adult)
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Successfully complete an Animal Care Training.
- Children between ages 10 and 18 must have attended animal care training and must be accompanied by a supervising adult who has also completed animal care training.
- Maintaining Qualifications: you must volunteer to care for the animals at least once a month.
Preregistration is required. Walk-ins will not be accepted.
Location: Battle Creek Cypress Swamp
Who We Are
Animal Care volunteers work with the staff naturalists to care for live animals.
What We Do
Calvert Steward volunteers feed the fish, turtles, snakes, frogs and mice housed at the Cypress Swamp Nature Center. Other tasks include cleaning cages, scrubbing turtles, and weighing food for the raptors.
Volunteers work with the animals to acclimate them to people and background noises they will encounter when used for education and outreach programs.
Some volunteers assist with education and outreach activities that involve the captive animals.
Training & Qualifications:
- Animal Care (all animals except raptors): Ages 10 and up with adult New volunteers should register for an Animal Care Training Opportunity. As they accompany staff, they will learn how to clean cages, feed the animals and handle them. Once trained, volunteers can edit the "Qualifications" section of their profile. After the program manager has verified their training, qualified Calvert Stewards can respond to be the volunteer for the specific dates and times listed.
Other Skills or Knowledge:
- Experience working with captive animals is a plus
- At ease with snakes and raptors
- Able to carry a 10 pound bucket of water
- Willing to get dirty
- Maintain accurate records
For more information please contact Kim Curren at kimberly.curren@calvertcountymd.gov
