Real Life

Knitters needed for rescue animals

Tiny nests are needed for birds and mammals who have sustained injuries or lost their habitats in the wild – and you can help!

If you love knitting and love animals, we’ve found the perfect project for you.

Wildlife Rescue Nests, a global volunteer network, knits tiny nests for birds and mammals who have sustained injuries or lost their habitats in the wild.

As the animals recover in rehabilitation centres, the nests are an important part of their healing process.

“The nests offer security and warmth, which is essential in rehabilitating wildlife,” founder Katie Deline-Ray told The Dodo.

“The nests are surprisingly versatile, especially since we have added the new cave nest designed for cavity/burrow dwelling animals,” she said.

“Initially, the nests were used for birds and small mammals such as squirrels, bunnies, raccoons and skunks. Since the rescues starting using them, we have seen them used for bats, hedgehogs, bush babies, wallabies, possums and so many others.”

Deline-Ray currently has around 800 volunteers and 240 wildlife rehabilitation centres on her mailing list – but she still needs more!

The idea originally came after Deline-Ray broke her hand and was stuck at home.

One day, she discovered a live webcam of a hummingbird nest and she read in the comments section about a woman who designed rehab nests for hummingbirds in her spare time.

“I thought it was a brilliant idea.”

And thus, Wildlife Rescue Nests was born.

If you’re keen to volunteer, click here for more information.

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