Dooletter Wildlife Rescue

My Journey From Experience to Expertise

For a couple of years, I worked alongside another wildlife rescue in Northern Ireland, caring for animals local to me. In 2018, I was entrusted with a group of Pine marten kits that had been accidentally sealed in a roof space for two days without their mother. I sought advice and reached out to Kieran Corry, a vet in Omagh, who directed me to Kildare Wildlife Rescue. I completed wildlife courses in both Ireland and England, and it was then that I established Dooletter Wildlife Rescue (DWR).

Rescuing and Rehabilitating More Wildlife Each Year

Since founding DWR, the number of calls for wildlife in need has risen significantly, with each year seeing even more cases. Last year was the busiest yet, with over 1,700 animals rescued. The work I do is driven by a deep passion for wildlife and the rewarding experience of releasing animals back to the wild once they have been rehabilitated. I work full-time to support the rescue, as there is little funding available for wildlife in Northern Ireland.

Building a Strong Community of Volunteers

Although I do much of the work on my own, I am fortunate to have met a few dedicated volunteers in recent years. These volunteers have learned how to provide emergency assistance, greatly improving the chances of survival for the animals. Additionally, I manage a WhatsApp group for transport volunteers, but as they offer their help voluntarily, they assist when they can. We are always looking for more transporters and people interested in learning how to assist with emergency care and other duties. Volunteering offers people the opportunity to get up close to wildlife that they may never see under normal circumstances.