NZ Coast oil spill: URGENT request for volunteers

On 15 October 2011 container vessel Rena struck Astrolabe reef 12 nautical miles off Tauranga and is leaking large amounts of oil.

New Zealand Wildlife Health Centre is calling for volunteers to assist in the recovery and rehabilitation of oiled wildlife.  Significant numbers of volunteers are required immediately and over a prolonged period of time.  You work will be paid, and as such will be subject to the Centre’s health and safety plan.

New Zealand Wildlife Health Centre is looking for a wide range of skills including field biologists, helping with the recovery and rehabilitation of birds, driving a vehicle to transport oiled wildlife, administrative tasks.  These are just examples of how you can help.  There will be something you can do!  Please call Jim Lilley  0275 387 566 for further information on how you can help.

A number of oiled birds (dead and alive) that have already been recovered, as well as an oiled seal on Papamoa beach.  New Zealand Wildlife Health Centre  is gearing up to respond to a significant number of animals affected by the oil spill, so please do respond if you are able.