Keen conservationists are being called upon to fill a range of volunteer roles at Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery. Currently under construction in the Victoria Esplanade, the world class rehabilitation centre will provide shelter and care for a range of native wildlife during their recovery after treatment at Massey University’s Wildbase Hospital. Palmerston North City Council project lead Aaron Phillips says that for the past year, volunteering enquiries from the general public have been increasing. “The community support for this project has been nothing short of incredible. From the moment we started construction, we’ve had emails coming through from everyone – from vet students to retirees looking to volunteer at the centre and do their bit for conservation in New Zealand.” The centre will be staffed by Massey University and Palmerston North City Council staff, supported by a range of volunteer roles. This will include visitor hosts, food preparation, animal behaviour monitoring and more. “We’re currently recruiting for visitor hosts who will be our onsite ‘experts’ to assist with visitor queries and to help tell the stories of the centre. Other volunteering opportunities will open up later in the year once our team is settled in.” While volunteers will play an essential role supporting the veterinary team at the centre, Phillips noted that only trained professionals will be in close contact with any wildlife during their stay at Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery. “We’re very aware that handling native animals has a huge appeal to the general public, however, we will be working with wild animals and it’s important that they are looked after and handled by trained professionals.” Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery is due to open later this year after a commissioning and quarantine period is completed by the Massey University Wildbase team. Volunteers can register their interest by emailing info@wildbaserecovery.co.nz, or sending a message to the Wildbase Recovery Community Trust Facebook page.