Mandurah Wildlife Appoint Operations Manager
Newly appointed, Operations Manager, Ian Edwards, grew up in Dianella at a time when kangaroos used to nibble grass on suburban lawns. He has always had an interest in wildlife and laments the loss of habitat that urban development has brought.
As an 11-year-old in Dianella he wrote to Prince Phillip who at the time was President of the International WWF, expressing his concern. He addressed his envelope c/o Buckingham Palace and much to his surprise, a few weeks later he received a letter from the London Zoological Gardens. The letter said that Prince Phillip had passed on his letter and told Ian that he was now an Honorary Wildlife Ranger.
Appointing paid staff is a critical part of the Mandurah Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre’s Ten-Year-Plan to develop its capability and service to the community. Since its inception 15 years ago, the Centre has been wholly dependent on volunteers.
Ian’s work covers a range of areas that include maintenance and assisting with the management of what, still remains, the backbone of the organisation – the volunteers.
Releasing wildlife back into nature
On the day, I spoke to Ian, he was getting clearance to release a duck that came in with a dislocated toe – yes, ducks have toes. After getting the various clearances required including the okay from a vet, he and volunteer Debbie McArthur went down to Inlet and released the duck who joyously flew off into the blue yonder.
