- November 1, 2024
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“It's more difficult than we thought it would be. Actually, chasing ducklings is crazy. They can literally run on top of the water for some period,” said David Gnass, longtime rescue and transport volunteer for Save Our Seabirds.
Two years in a row, David and Linda Gnass found themselves rescuing ducklings from a fountain the birds couldn’t climb out of. They were kept so busy that they almost didn’t realize an audience of nearby residents was watching them from their windows.
“It's almost a comedy watching us. We were able to get all four of the ducklings finally but we had to capture the mother first, and then get the mother in a place where she could call to the ducklings.”
The husband and wife duo have been volunteering with SOS for 11 years. They do everything they can to promote the volunteer opportunities at SOS.
“From that comes a feeling of satisfaction and, frankly, gratitude that we're at a point, in a situation that we can do this,” said David. “When it comes to the rescues and releases, it's always so special, it always makes the purpose worth it.”
David and Linda built their dedication and knowledge on their favorite pastime, volunteering for SOS. The couple now trains new volunteers regularly. David also built many different facilities for resident birds at SOS. Through their different SOS experiences, the couple has acquired an ever-growing collection of equipment for every type of rescue.
“We have soft carriers in different sizes to transport (birds),” said Linda. “We have a 24-foot pole that extends out. That way, if we have to cut a branch off or retrieve a bird from high up in a tree, we have that ability. We also have a boat hook and kayak that comes in handy. We also have a net gun for rescues. It looks like a large flashlight, propelled by a CO2 cartridge. It will spew out. We have two sizes, we have an 8-foot square net, and we have a bigger one that is 10 feet. The openings are larger on that one for the larger birds.”
In order to become a rescue and transport volunteer, there is a mandatory class that is taught twice a year. It covers everything from the different species of birds, specifics on how to handle each one and put them in the car, the most common rescues one might encounter, how to operate the rescue equipment, etc.
Rescue and transport volunteering is just one of the many volunteer roles at SOS. These include being a greeter who welcomes guests and a docent who guides visitors around the bird sanctuary. People can also help with special events and public programs, assist with landscape and facility maintenance, or work in the office answering phones and dispatching rescuers.
“It's all about commitment here. I think that a lot of people are really inspired by our mission,” said New Outreach and Volunteer Manager Sarah Rubin. “Over the last couple of weeks, people have just been looking us up. One by one, people are coming in here and being interested in the mission. And wanting to connect to something greater and being able to be involved in doing something better for the world.”
Before starting at SOS in May, Rubin was an educator at zoos and aquariums around Florida, Maryland and North Carolina. She worked for Mote Marine Laboratory as an education exhibit coordinator for three years, as well as the Discovery Center education coordinator for the Tampa Bay Watch for two years. She also was a park ranger for three years in Maryland.
David and Linda said they noticed the immense impact that the CEO Aaron Virgin, veterinarian Maria Passarelli, and Rubin have made to SOS. Specifically, Rubin’s emphasis for a positive work environment helped form a strong volunteer community.
“As volunteers, we've really come together over caring about our birds,” said Nate Kettler, who has volunteered at SOS the past two summers. “ It's great to be in a community with people that have that interest and that passion. I've already made some really wonderful friends in my months of volunteering here. Everyone's pretty much focused on the welfare of the birds of the place. We all take a lot of pride in our work, and everyone is very friendly and lovely there”
SOS is always looking for new volunteers and is open to anyone who is interested. Rubin encourages people to reach out and fill out the application online.
“It's all about the mission statement here,” said Rubin. “Our mission is to release these birds and to provide an educational sanctuary for these animals here. So you have to believe in the mission, and you have to be willing to give something to someone who has that same mindset.”
