Contact
Program Administrator: Rebecca Dmytryk
rebecca ( at ) wildlifeservices ( dot ) org
855-WILD-911 X 4
What is WildHelp?
WildHelp is a mobile application designed to link people who find wild animals in distress with experts who can help.
Every day, throughout the country, thousands of wild animals are found in trouble and in need of help. They are found sick, injured, displaced, trapped, orphaned, entangled, and in serious trouble, but, the task of finding help can be arduous.
Too often, finders must make multiple phone calls, using critical minutes, even hours, in search of the right person or organization to assist.
The challenge of finding aid for a wild animal in distress is one of the greatest, most pervasive issues faced by wildlife casualties and the people who find them.
WildHelp was designed to bridge the gap between finders and experts by streamlining the reporting process, expediting aid to animals in need and the people who find them, helping save thousands of lives every year!
How does it work?
The free, downloadable app is specifically designed to help the person who has discovered a wild animal in trouble. The app's "wizard" interface guides the finder through a series of simple questions about the animal, like, what kind of animal, if it's injured or orphaned. The program even offers them the opportunity to attach an image.
In certain situations, the user is instructed to view information specific to the incident or type of animal being reported. For example, if someone finds a naked baby bird or mammal, they will be offered tips on how to provide temporary warmth, or, if ducklings are trapped in a residential pool WildHelp will provide suggestions on how to help them out.
After the user has answered the basic questions, WildHelp uses their GPS coordinates to find the nearest resources - wildlife hospitals or first responders specializing in the type of animal found.
Once they select a resource to contact, WildHelp will send the information collected from the user, via email, to the selected resource and sends a text alert to notify the of the incoming WildHelp Report.
Next, the user is instructed to make direct contact with the chosen resource by calling the number provided.
The history of WildHelp
The concept for this life-saving tool was conceived of by Rebecca Dmytryk, author of Wildlife Search and Rescue and founder of Wildlife Emergency Services (WES). She took her ideas to IVR Technology Group - the company that hosts WES' wildlife emergency hotline. Together, they designed the app's user-friendly interface and intuitive functionality.
The coding for the first iOS version is nearly finished and days away from being submitted to Apple for review.
In the meantime, information from wildlife professionals around the country is being added to WildHelp's extensive database, sorted by geographic location and area of expertise.
When will WildHelp be available?
If all goes as planned, WildHelp will be available in the coming months.
Be a part of the solution - be a part of WildHelp!
If you're a professional wildlife rehabilitator in the United States or an agency or organization willing and able to assist wildlife in distress, please go HERE to add your services to our database.
If you'd like to support this cause with a charitable donation, make checks payable to:
Wildlife Emergency Services
P. O. Box 65, Moss Landing CA 95039
Please write WildHelp in the memo section of your check.
You can also make a contribution online, safely and securely, HERE.
You can also make a contribution online, safely and securely, HERE.
