By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
In western Kansas, where wildlife rehabbers are few and far between, one woman is working to give injured animals a new lease on life.
Project Wildlife & Sanctuary is a new wildlife rehabilitation. Director Larissa Munsch launched the organization in January after recognizing a shortage of rehabbers in the region.
"There's basically only three of us in this area taking wildlife," Munsch said. "Basically covering Salina all the way over to the Colorado border."
The nonprofit focuses on rescuing injured or orphaned native wildlife. Munsch is looking for reliable and committed volunteers to support the effort.
Volunteer roles range from transportation and feeding to cleaning and assisting with tasks like holding animals during medical treatments.
"The goal is always to rehabilitate them and release them back into the wild," Munsch said.
Interested volunteers who can commit to at least two shifts per week will undergo a training process that includes a detailed handbook, safety protocols and a walkthrough of the facility in Hays.
Shifts are scheduled throughout the day, starting at 8 a.m. and running as late as midnight.
The organization cares for various wildlife, such as opossums, skunks, squirrels, groundhogs, mice, owls and several bird species.
All rehab work, including Munsch's role, is unpaid and not government-funded. Munsch has trained under Western Plains Animal Refuge, Inc. and Carrie's Rehab Critters.
"We are looking for anyone who has a passion for animals, wildlife and the environment," Munsch said.
To get started as a volunteer, you can call 785-639-8540 or reach out at [email protected].
Project Wildlife & Sanctuary spends more than $500 each month on food, care and veterinary services. During busier seasons, monthly costs can exceed $1,000.
Project Wildlife also welcomes monetary donations and supplies, including blankets, towels and laundry detergent.
You can follow the organization on Facebook and visit their website for more information.