Become a Wildlife Caregiver

Each year, the Lindsay Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital treats over 5,000 injured and orphaned animals. We are able to do this thanks to the generosity and selfless dedication of volunteers who care for these patients in their homes until they are ready to return to the wild.

Among the many sick, injured and orphaned animals that are brought to the hospital by caring rescuers, Lindsay receives more opossums than any other single species. As the hospital ends its busy season and looks toward the next season in just a few months, we are seeking adult volunteers to care for these beneficial marsupials.

It’s amazing to watch opossums grow from sleepy infants with giant ears to spunky “teenagers” displaying toothy “smiles.” Opossums spend an average of 7-14 days in each type of enclosure (tub, then indoor cage, then outdoor cage) before they’re ready to go back to the wild. These animals are safe, clean and caring for them at the cage (beginner) stages is easy – about 15 minutes a day. 

Requirements for beginners include secluded space inside your house for a tabletop cage, or outside for a larger cage  (usually on sawhorses). You’ll clean the cage in the morning and feed the opossums at sundown. To keep them wild, they must have little exposure to humans and no exposure to pets or domestic animals. They sleep during the day, but if you stand in the shadows at night, you‘ll witness a fun show as they learn to forage for hidden food.

Volunteers are also needed to return the patients after they’ve mastered their wildlife skills. In addition, we have openings for volunteers to “opossum-sit” when regular caretakers are away for a day or two.

Interested? We’ll train you, provide all of the equipment and food you’ll need, and give prompt support. If you’d like to learn more, please send an email to [email protected].