11/07/2025
We’ve been busy at Wanderlust Acres Animal Sanctuary! We have a couple animals who need and are receiving a little extra TLC; we are finalizing winterization for the duck and geese flocks; and last night we had an opportunity for several volunteers to come together at two different community sites and make a difference.
One neighbor had reached out about a Pekin hen who had been injured, likely by a snapping turtle, and her Khaki Campbell mate. They were residing in a small residential pond in Allendale. Volunteer Jae and her Dad, Kevin, went out to assess. Initially, it appeared they would need to return with more hands; however, the homeowners were able to gently coax the ducks into their fenced in backyard with some of their favorite foods, where Jae and Kevin were able to easily scoop them in to safety. It was Kevin’s first rescue. Now, they are resting up warm, safe, and most importantly: together 🥰🦆
Just a few miles away, Jae, Kevin, and their newly acquired companions, met up with volunteers Sarah, James, and Jen at another residential community pond that was bigger and required a bit more strategy. A combination of kayaks offering water power and welcoming arms waiting with food and nets on land meant a few more ducks safely in sanctuary and sleeping peacefully tonight.
Five volunteers, a total of nearly 25 volunteer hours, nearly six collective hours of driving, zero full body or full celly immersions in “the drink,” (which was COLD!) – culminating in a number of feathers, safe and sound from here forward.
The weather is cooling and soon inland lakes and ponds – the only source of water and primary source of the little food they get – will freeze. Even in the summers, many ducks we rescue from public waterways are malnourished because they cannot survive from foraging alone. They cannot fly to migrate. If they are not taken by predators who observe they are flightless, they will slowly starve. Each of us volunteers can attest to finding the birds we just didn’t get to on time, and it is heartbreaking – especially when they have bonded family who have continued to check on their lifeless loved ones to see if anything has changed 💔
Donations from our friends and community help us to continue this work and provide safety for each bird – from clean bedding to careful medical assessment to nutritious foods, this work is truly fueled by people like you. Right now, donations will primarily support optimal winterization, making sure all of our birds are happy and healthy through these “Burrrr!” months.
Thank you.
PayPal: http://PayPal.me/WanderlustAcres
Venmo:
Volunteer Post by Jae 🦆
