Wildlife Jewels® Rescue & Transport Protocol

Welcome to the Wildlife Jewels® Rescue & Transport Team. This protocol is designed to guide volunteers in conducting safe, ethical, and effective wildlife rescue and transport activities, including collaboration with local rescue agencies, transport of injured or stranded wildlife, and documentation of threats to coastal species.

By following these protocols, you help ensure the safety of both wildlife and human responders while upholding the integrity and mission of Wildlife Jewels®.

🔹 Your Role as a Rescue Volunteer

• Respond to calls involving injured, entangled, stranded, or distressed wildlife.

• Assist with transporting animals to authorized rehabilitation facilities.

• Support on-site observation, documentation, and coordination with partner agencies.

• Prioritize your own safety and the welfare of the animal at all times.

• Act only under the direction of designated leads or partnering agencies.

🚨 Emergency & Safety Protocols

• Always assess the situation before intervening.

• Do not enter the water or climb into unstable terrain.

• If wildlife is still mobile (e.g., sea lions or seals), maintain a distance of at least 50 feet.

• Never attempt to disentangle, touch, or move wildlife unless trained and authorized to do so.

• Always use proper gloves, animal carriers, or transport crates provided by the organization or partner agencies.

• Notify and coordinate with the designated Wildlife Jewels Rescue Contact and relevant rescue agency (e.g., SeaWorld Rescue, PMMC, local Animal Control).

📲 Communication & Coordination

• Use the Wildlife Jewels Rescue WhatsApp Group for real-time coordination.

• Provide updates with photos, exact location (GPS if possible), and situation status.

• Confirm transfer location and estimated arrival time before initiating transport.

• Use calm, quiet tones when near distressed animals.

📸 Documentation & Reporting

All rescue-related observations should be documented, even if no transport is needed:

• Take wide and zoomed photos (without causing further stress).

• Record:

  • Date & time

  • Exact location

  • Species and number of animals

  • Visible injuries or signs of distress

  • Human-related hazards (e.g., fishing line, marine debris, harassment)

Submit a full report using the Rescue & Transport Report Form within 24 hours.

⚠️ Human Disturbance & Hazard Monitoring

As part of your responsibilities, continue to observe and report other threats during rescue activities:

• Off-leash dogs near wildlife

• Bikes or drones in sensitive areas

• Large gatherings or beach bonfires near haul-out zones

• Marine debris hazards (e.g., nets, charcoal, broken glass, nails)

🧭 Field Safety Guidelines

• Work in pairs or let a partner know your location at all times.

• Carry a fully charged phone, gloves, sun protection, and water.

• Wear appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes.

• Know local tide schedules and avoid risky terrain.

• Carry emergency contact numbers at all times.

🤝 Ethical Guidelines & Public Interaction

• Do not engage with the public beyond sharing basic information or handing out flyers.

• If members of the public are interfering with wildlife:

  • Document the incident discreetly.

  • Report it to the WhatsApp group or appropriate agency.

  • Do not confront or escalate the situation.

🔄 Check-Ins & Continuing Training

• Attend monthly virtual check-ins for updates and training.

• Participate in debriefs after complex or high-risk rescues.

• Stay up to date with any changes to local rescue agency protocols.

🌊 Core Values

• Wildlife First: Always prioritize animal welfare.

• Safety Always: Protect yourself and others during every step.

• Collaboration: Work alongside agencies and fellow volunteers.

• Respect & Stewardship: Treat all wildlife and habitats with care.

📎 Related Documents & Acknowledgements

• ✅ Emergency Procedures and Safety Protocol Summary

• ✅ Wildlife Jewels Rescue & Transport Guidelines 

• ✅ Wildlife Jewels Rescue & Transport Agreement and Waiver Form