top of page
Our Volunteers
Join the Team That Makes Wild Hearts Thrive 🐾
At The Nature of Wildworks, caring for animals isn’t a one-person job—it’s a team effort. Every enclosure cleaned, every enrichment toy created, every diet prepared, and every gentle moment spent with an animal happens because compassionate people come together with a shared purpose.
When you volunteer with us, you become part of a dedicated team working to give non-releasable wildlife the best life possible. Many of our residents—hawks, owls, foxes, wild cats, and more—cannot return to the wild due to injury or circumstance. But with the help of our volunteers, they receive something just as important: daily care, enrichment, and the respect they deserve.
Our volunteers help make our mission real by:
-
Preparing diets and helping with daily animal care
-
Creating enrichment that keeps curious minds and wild instincts active
-
Maintaining habitats so animals live in safe, clean spaces
But volunteering here is about more than tasks—it’s about being part of a community that believes every animal deserves compassion, dignity, and love.
Together, we celebrate small victories: a hawk enjoying a new perch, a fox discovering a puzzle toy, or a mountain lion peacefully resting after a day of enrichment. These moments happen because a team of people chose to show up and care.
If you love wildlife, believe in teamwork, and want to make a meaningful difference, we invite you to join us.
Become a volunteer and help us continue our mission of care, enrichment, and love for the wild animals who call Wildworks home. Click Here to sign up today!
Wild hearts need human allies—and our team always has room for one more. 🌿🦉🐾
Kelley
I have had a love of animals since I was young. I remember my first “rescue” which was a black cat stuck in a tree near my house. I got it down and couldn’t leave it so I brought it home. Thankfully, my parents let me keep him. Begging helped.
When I was 10, my family moved from L.A. to the Bass Lake area and I was in heaven because I was able to hike, climb trees, look for wildlife, etc. As I grew up, my love for animals grew (with the exception of not being a big fan of snakes) and by the time I finished high school, I knew I wanted to go into biology.
I got into Cal Poly, SLO, and wanted to go into marine biology. I loved it but after I graduated, I couldn’t find a job and moved back home and thought my life was over. Haha. I started volunteering at the Forest Service in North Fork and then moved into a seasonal job the following year working on stream/meadow restoration which lasted six seasons. I also volunteered/did various animal surveys over the winters.
Thankfully, I got a full-time job at CalTrans in Fresno as a biologist (lots of cool animals/surveys!) and worked there until 2016 when I transferred over to the CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife until I retired from the State the end of 2024.
Chris
Animals have always been a great interest of mine. Always enjoyed camping and backpacking and trying to see wildlife in their natural environment. I worked ten seasons with the USDA Forest Service and three with the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife. I got to work in campgrounds, programs to radio collar and monitor deer in Northern California, worked in a fish hatchery, and worked at a state wildlife area. I couldn't get a year-round job so I worked for a campground concessionare, mutual water system, private water system, and finally for Madera County in utilities.
I volunteered for many years at the Santa Rosa Bird Rescue Center and then for a long time didn't live close enough to any wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, or education centers. I was very excited when The Nature of Wildworks came to Coarsegold and am now very happy to be volunteering every week. I enjoy all of the animals- hate to say any favorites, but I have to admit I'm leaning towards bobcats.
Sally
A lifelong California resident, Sally grew up in the Berkeley area but always longed to live in the country. That desire was satisfied 20 years ago when she moved to O’Neals. She has two horses and a cat.
She joined Fresno Wildlife in 2016 and raised a deer, Dandy, until she was able to be released deep in the Oakhurst foothills. Dandy was with Sally for a year. She also supported the group by helping with some birds and a beaver. Due to the distance, it became less convenient to go to Fresno and Clovis for activities, so The Nature of Wildworks appeared at just the right time to allow transition from one organization to another. She also will be volunteering at the Ahwahnee SPCA when it opens to help out with the dogs and cats while they wait to find their forever homes. She likes to keep busy!
Michelle
I am a mom, animal lover and realtor. I grew up in Oakhurst, and actually my first job was at the local veterinary office in town. After graduating high school I moved around for a few years. Throughout the places I have lived, I have always found a home volunteering or working for different animal organizations.
After settling in Visalia, CA -I spent 10 or more years with the Valley Oak SPCA, as a board member and volunteer. When my son came along, it was necessary for a break from all, as he consumed most of my time. In later years, when free time opened for me- I was ready to go back to do volunteer work with animals. I wanted to try something different than dogs and cats, but not sure what. One day I was reading the Coarsegold chamber of commerce newsletter. They wrote - The Nature of Wildworks had moved to Coarsegold. Hmm - I miss the mountains and thought this could be a good place for me to fill my need. I checked it out, and this has become my new home.
I have fallen in love with the animals, and look forward to my day there each week.
Audrey
I have lived with my dogs and cat in Coarsegold for the last 6 years. Before that I had a ranch on the coast with my husband and son. We had dogs, cats, fish, birds, chickens, rabbits, and even a peahen. As you can guess, I love all animals. Many years ago I worked for a wildlife education and rehab center. I loved it! I had to quit when I hurt by back so I was very excited when The Nature of Wildworks moved to Coarsegold about the same time I retired. The people here are great and love animals as much as I do. Can you tell what one of my favorite animals is? This is Stella and she loves to hang out and play with her friends.
Vicki
I have lived over half my life in Cali. My husband and I bought a home up in YLP 4 years ago, came from Fresno. Did not want to own in the big city. It's a halfway point from the mountains, as my husband still commutes to Fresno. I am retired for the most part, except for a side business I've had for 9+ yrs.
We love living up here and we love animals. We had 5 cats at one point, (called crazy cat lady). However living in the foothills is quite different from city life. We love all animals give great pleasure in spoiling them. So for me, working at Wildworks is very rewarding. I think about these wonderful domesticated/injured animals that have a forever home to live their lives out in comfort gives me peace. I am very proud to be a part of that process and highly commend Molly, Meagan and Nicole for their dedication to Wildworks!
Ron and Brenda
My husband Ron and I learned about Nature of Wildworks thru our dog groomer Samantha. We went to learn about it and fell in love with the animals, birds, reptiles and especially Bobby the bobcat. We love feeding them and doing other chores to make the facility run smoothly and assist the staff. We’ve made a lot of wonderful friends who work and volunteer as well. It’s so wonderful to see the ladies who run it, show their love and commitment to taking care of all the animals who will live their best lives here.
Rosemarie
Most people have been with their animal friends for years. My journey to becoming a volunteer with Wildworks is far from normal. As a young child, I learned I was allergic to all those fun warm blooded animals out there: dogs, rabbits, cats, horses and probably the ferrets!
Growing up and as an adult, my companions have included fish, turtles, hermit crabs, two budgies and a conure parrot. I have vicariously reveled in helping family and neighbors pet-sit their horses, dogs and cats.
When I heard that Wildworks was in search of volunteers, I jumped at the chance. I’ve always loved the largest cat in California the mountain lion; birds of all kinds; gopher snakes and the cute prickly hedgehog. I was delighted to learn that most of these animals — with more to come — were happily living in Coarsegold.
Diana and Eden
I consider myself extremely lucky to be able to volunteer with all the special animals at the Nature of Wildworks. I am a homeschooling mother of 4 with many animals of our own at home, currently including dogs, cats, fish, ducks, and chickens. Animals of all types have always had a special place in my heart, and I love that we have such a special facility so close to us where my children can meet animals they might never have an opportunity to meet otherwise. While I love every single animal at the Nature of Wildworks, I could cuddle with Jake the gopher snake, and enjoy the adorable antics of the busy little hedgehogs all day.
Petronella
I grew up on a farm in Sweden where my family grew strawberries and kept sheep, Hereford cattle, pigs, and chickens. For a few years, I had a Shetland pony who would only let me ride him bareback. He was one of my best friend.
When one of our sows had given birth, my friend and I would lie underneath the heating lamp in the pig enclosure, so all the baby piglets had to crawl up on us to get to the heat. We spent most of that summer playing with them, sitting in the apple trees and throwing fruit to the growing piglets down below. They were, of course, raised for meat and I became a vegetarian that year
As an adult, I traveled the world for a couple of years and I met my husband Jeff in the Himalayas, Nepal. I came back with him to California and we bought a home in North Fork. We have two children, one in college and one in high school. I loved raising my kids and was super involved at their schools, but as they grew older, I started looking for something new and meaningful to do.
I have missed having animals in my life and therefore I was so excited when I learned about The Nature of Wildworks. When I visited, it was everything I hoped for: a variety of fantastic animals and plenty of work to be done. It is a gift to work with an organization where I can put everything else aside and be completely present with the animals and work at hand. I also think a practical workout is the best workout, so bring on the horse poop!
Carolyn
I grew up splitting my time between the hustle and bustle of Washington DC and 340 acres of wilderness in the deep green hills of rural West Virginia. In DC I attended a bilingual elementary school where I learned to speak Spanish and still have a pretty good accent and vocabulary today. In WV I learned to appreciate nature; catching crawdads on the creek and identifying constellations at night around the campfire.
Our family ultimately separated from our endless green and ended up in big Los Angeles. I have been trying to get back to the wild ever since. Funny I would find myself here at Wildworks; it is the wildest place I could ever imagine!
As an Angelino I was called “hawk lady” by coworkers because i would occupy our skyscraper windows with my binocs spying on my flying friends. I participated in the Griffith Park Raptor Study for years where we identified nests and counted baby raptors every spring. Also I volunteered for the LA Audubon Society taking LA youth on bird walks at Kenneth Hahn park. LA is pure concrete, but no matter you can always remember the wild when you look up to see the soaring red tail.
It gets harder and harder to connect to our wild roots in today's world, and I feel strongly that Wildworks exists to protect this ancient connection. I take my volunteer role seriously and I feel privileged to be a part of this mission.
Karissa
My love for animals began when I was a child. I had dogs, cats, snakes, and other reptiles, as well as a bunny. Then, I started visiting the San Diego Safari Park, which ignited my passion for animals. Every time we went, my mom would notice my longing to be with the animals and encourage me to pursue a career in this field.
In August 2024, I moved to the area and started my own animal care and pet sitting business. However, I yearned for more. That’s when I discovered Nature of Wildworks and eagerly volunteered. It has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Working with such incredible animals has brought immense joy to my life. I love them all dearly, but I’ve formed a special bond with our lynx, Bear. He holds a special place in my heart. The highlight of my week is spending time with these amazing creatures!
Rhapsody
My name is Rhapsody and I recently moved up to the Coarsegold mountain area in 2023. I have always loved nature and wildlife and am so grateful for the opportunity to work with such precious creatures of God's epic creation. Natural of Wildworks is a local gem and such a delight to be able to partner with.
I work as a Park Ranger and am known for my heart for animals and seeking the care and protection of such cherished wildlife. I grew up in the central valley of California where I would go on as many hikes and adventures as possible, always with a cup of coffee (or two) in hand. I have a goal to hike all of the national parks and am grateful to have embarked on adventures in 27 out of 63 thus far. One of my most favored aspects of exploring national parks is beholding the beautiful wildlife in their natural habitat. All that to say, I am so grateful for the good work Nature of Wildworks accomplishes to help care for and protect wildlife in need of extra support. What a blessing it is to be able to assist with such noble goals.
Aaron
I was practically born and most definitely raised here in Coarsegold and enjoy having the Sierra Nevada Mountains as my backyard. Being out in nature often, I have been able to see some of the more interesting behaviors of animals which sparked my curiosity from a young age. Some of my all time favorite animals are here at Nature of Wildworks and looking forward to getting to know them. I have always enjoyed animals and I like to think they enjoy me as well.
There has always been at least one cat around and occasionally a plethora. Recently the aquatic world has entered my life and I am enjoying their company in my home now as well. And a spattering of others throughout the years; a handful of rodents, a few dogs, a reptile here and there, and the occasional injured creature. I can't imagine this experience being unfulfilling and am happy to be of use to these animals and their caretakers.
_JPG.jpg)
bottom of page