Lancaster High School FFA and Animal science programs came together to collaborate on a new project to help injured squirrels at Ohio Wildlife Center Hospital. The hammocks will benefit only squirrels who are currently being cared for at the OWC care facility and not squirrels out in the wild. It is illegal to keep wildlife without a permit, and illegal to keep wild animals as pets. According to the Ohio Wildlife Center’s web-page, their goal is to treat sick, injured, and orphaned animals and get them back to the wild.
“The students of the FFA and Animal science program are making squirrel hammocks out of old t-shirts, it’s a way to not only recycle and re-purpose something but also goes back to a cause for animals which is super important because that’s what we do, ” said Elisabeth Williams, LHS Animal Science instructor.
“I found out about this community service activity by searching online. The students were interested in wildlife and that’s kind of what brought me to looking into opportunities for wildlife and kind of grow their knowledge and awareness for that,” she said.
With some digging into the Ohio Wildlife Center website, Williams discovered that injured squirrels need a new place to rest while inside a cage. Squirrels prefer to be up off of the ground or the bottom of a cage and the hammocks cradle the injured animal and make it feel safe. Hammocks are known to reduce their stress and promote quality sleep while the animal is recuperating. Not only does the hammock project help out with the wounded critters, it also meets the animal science program’s course of study.
“This goes along with our curriculum. We are doing this to help out. A lot of my students are interested in wildlife as far as a career or just as a hobby, interest and knowledge type stuff. These projects as well as our program all count as community points for the students” Williams stated.
LHS junior, Kendra Golke shares her anticipation to help out and assist these harmed species.
“I volunteer because it helps set an example to all generations that everything deserves a chance at life no matter how big or small. Wildlife is a bit broad but interesting topic, so learning and helping with any wildlife topic makes a difference,” said Golke.
FFA officer and junior Addyson Brown said that she has a love for animals and wildlife.
“I am very interested in learning about wildlife. My ultimate goal is to become a wildlife biologist or work for a state or national park. I love working with animals and being outside, so that is definitely an interest of mine,” she said.
LHS junior Claire Loudon said it is important for students to volunteer to help their own community any way they can.
“I personally helped get other students engaged and excited for this project and just thought it might be something that others could find as interesting and fun. Being president of FFA, I always strive to find activities that each group of people will find fun, whether it’s crafty, or competitive just finding something for everyone,” Loudon stated.
“I think it is a great outreach and act of community service that is so simple and honestly just kind of looked past at times. I think that any little thing helps and if we can be a part of that, then great! I just hope it gets put to good use,” she said.
