Animal Care Volunteers Describe Westmoreland Experience
Gabriele and Romy Jooss-Mangerini, long-time volunteers of Westmoreland Sanctuary, have taken the time to sit down with us to talk about what it’s like volunteering here.
How did you learn about Westmoreland?
Gabriele was driving along Chestnut Ridge Road one day in early 2021 when she saw a sign that grabbed her attention. “Westmoreland Sanctuary, Nature Center and Wildlife Preserve” is what the sign read, and she was so intrigued that she pulled into the small dirt parking lot to check it out. Upon arrival, she made her way up the path to the museum, where she was greeted by the cooing of ring-necked doves and a dozen animal cages each with their own inhabitant.
Why did you start volunteering at Westmoreland?
“I just fell in love with the character and the energy of the building,” she said. In fact, she liked it so much that she returned for a second time and brought her daughter, Romy. It was during this visit that they spoke with Ann, Westmoreland’s Executive Director, about volunteer opportunities.
Westmoreland volunteers Romy (left) and Gabriele (right)
Of all the volunteer opportunities, why work with animals?
“Because we love them!” Gabriele quickly offered. “I grew up with fish, birds, and turtles,” she said, which makes sense considering her favorite Sanctuary animal. Gabriele favors Raphaela, our non-native red-eared slider turtle, while Romy favors our resident snakes, Loki, Slinky, and Miss Piggy. Gabriele was sure to mention that they were, at one point in time, caring for 10 newborn kittens that needed to be fed day and night.
Tell us about yourselves!
Currently residing in Armonk, NY, Gabriele and Romy (a power mother-daughter couple) make frequent trips to Europe, especially to Germany where Gabriele is from. They have been volunteering at the Sanctuary for about a year and are very thankful for the opportunity to do so. “We have learned a lot during our time here,” said Gabriele, referring to how to care for the Sanctuary’s animals.
Volunteer Experience
Gabriele and Romy visit the Sanctuary once a week where they spend two hours diving into the work of animal care. They often begin with our two rabbits, by letting them hop around the Sanctuary while they perform a full clean on their cages. During this time, Skittles and Houdini used to assist the Westmoreland Staff in the office, until Skittles grievously chewed through a keyboard wire. Unfortunately, despite their absurd cuteness, they were fired from their office duties. The two volunteers then move on, usually to the box turtles and Raphaela, whom they also let roam about the Sanctuary. The box turtles are generally occupied by a plate of kale, fruit, and mealworms (ew.. I mean, yum?). The rest of the 12 animals are fed and watered, and if their cages are in need, given a full clean.
Needless to say, it is a very busy 2 hours for Gabriele and Romy.
Thank You from Westmoreland
It is with a full heart that, on behalf of Westmoreland Sanctuary, I would like to thank Gabriele and Romy for over a year’s worth of dedication to the Westmoreland Sanctuary’s resident animals. With their support, the Staff has been able to focus more of their time and energy on educating our local youth, conservation efforts, trail maintenance, and more. This is true for all those who have or are currently volunteering with Westmoreland. We thank you!
~ Westmoreland Sanctuary Staff
Christian, a summer 2021 intern, holding resident leopard gecko, Sandy.
Resident Eastern box turtles, Buddy and Petunia sharing lunch prepared by summer 2021 interns.