If you are interested in being part of the Junior Volunteer Program please go to www.carolinaraptorcenter.org/volunteer.php for more information.

Sandy Mutterer has been a dedicated rehab and transport volunteer since April 2002 and has put in almost 1,000 hours. She is a single mother of her 3 ½ year old daughter, Carleigh and also works full time as a life insurance broker. Sandy still comes in faithfully every Saturday to volunteer her time. We are lucky to have such a wonderful and dedicated volunteer.

"Well, I was sitting at my desk at work and heard a story on the radio about a Great Horned Owl that had been found in a dumpster in Shelby and had been beaten with a bat. I started to cry and immediately went to Carolina Raptor Center's website and printed out an application. The owl, named Shelby, survived and is sitting in the display cage outside of the visitor's center. That was a huge reason I chose to volunteer in rehab, because I thought it was touching and amazing that she was healed."

"I was at orientation and we were getting a tour of the rehab building. I saw a volunteer cutting up mice and rats and got really grossed out! And I still am grossed out by the rats. I'm famous on Saturday's in Resident Bird Care and rehab for being known as the only person who has to get someone else to cut up the rats, mice are fine but not rats!"

"Well that actually happened very recently. I got a call from rehab that they needed someone to go and get an owl out of a chimney. So I went over to these people's home and was very disheartened. I didn't think I was going to be able to get the owl out, the chimney opening was only 3-4 inches. But I actually got it out! I brought it to the family's backyard and we all watched as if flew away. Wow! What a feeling. I was beaming for two days after that!"

"I love the birds, I like being able to help wildlife and do my part. It gives me a lot of purpose to come here every Saturday. It's really a cornerstone in my life and I have a sense of accomplishment every time I leave. If I miss one day I don't feel whole."

"Well, as a rehab volunteer you get to see the birds up close, and they are so beautiful. You actually get to hold them and heal them and contribute to the well-being of our area. You also can save an animals life without going to vet school!"

"What free time, no I am just kidding. Well, like I said I have Carleigh my 3 1/2 year old daughter and she keeps me busy. I love to read, watch movies and I am also a big Trekkie."

This is the second in our new series of monthly volunteer spotlights. If you would like to see a certain volunteer spotlighted please email lbhavnani@carolinaraptorcenter.org. Check back next month for another glimpse into our dedicated and diverse group of volunteers.

Questions: Contact Louise Bhavnani, Director of Volunteer Services 704/875-6521 x 102
lbhavnani@carolinaraptorcenter.org