New Mexico Wildlife Center Hosts Volunteer Orientation in Espanola Feb. 22

The New Mexico Wildlife Center in Espanola will hold a volunteer orientation on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, from 1–3 p.m. at 19 Wheat St., inviting community members to learn how to support wildlife rehabilitation and public education efforts. The session will include "a presentation of basic duties and a tour of the indoor and outdoor facilities," providing a practical introduction for prospective volunteers.

At NMWC, "we love our volunteers! They make it possible for us to protect and conserve New Mexico’s wildlife!" The center frames volunteering as both service and learning: "Volunteering is a wonderful opportunity to observe and learn about native species while making a meaningful contribution to wildlife conservation and education in our state." Organizers ask interested people to "Reserve your spot by Feb. 18 by emailing volunteer@newmexicowildlifecenter.org," and note that "If you are interested in volunteering at NMWC, please fill out an application. You may email it to us at volunteer@newmexicowildlifecenter.org or mail it to New Mexico Wildlife Center, 19 Wheat St, Espanola, NM 87532, Attn: Volunteer Program." Questions may be directed to "505-753-9505, x101."

The center accepts volunteers 18 years and older: "Note that we can only accept volunteers 18 years and older." Roles on the volunteer page highlight several pathways. Ambassador Animal & Education Volunteers help care for more than 30 ambassador animals: "From cleaning enclosures, to diet preparation, and helping to monitor the well-being of our animals, our volunteers are a huge part of our team." These volunteers also "assist with Education programs and events, helping to spread our mission to the public." The site lists Docents and Release Site Volunteers as additional categories, though detailed descriptions for those roles were not included in the posted extract; volunteers seeking specifics should contact the volunteer program by email or phone.

New Mexico Wildlife Center describes its operations as a nonprofit: "New Mexico Wildlife Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization funded by individual donations, business contributions, and grants." The facility is "Open for visitors Tuesday-Sunday, 9am-4pm" and is "Open for wildlife intakes 7 days a week. Please call ahead." The volunteer page also lists "Animal Encounters Tuesday through Sunday at 11:30 am! (Winter schedule: 12/1/2025 - 3/31/2026, Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 am)," a pair of statements that appear to conflict; callers should confirm the current Animal Encounters schedule with the center at 505-753-9505.

For northern New Mexico, the orientation is an opportunity to strengthen local capacity for wildlife care and community education while reducing pressure on municipal resources. Residents who want to help the center’s work or learn more about wildlife stewardship should reserve a spot by Feb. 18, submit an application to the volunteer program, or call 505-753-9505, x101 for clarification on roles, schedules, and any access needs.