Calling Crafty People: Crochet or Knit Nests for Wildlife

The most important thing, as I am constantly saying,
is to think about small ways in which we can make a difference—
every day.

Jane Goodall

There have been many, many times in my life that I wished I was more crafty, and this is one of them. Wildlife Rescue Nests for Wildlife Rehabilitators is a non-profit project that facilitates the production of “nests” knitted and crocheted by volunteers, which are then donated to rescue centers around the world (currently 240 wildlife rescues in Canada, the U.S., Ireland, the U.K., Norway, Denmark, Germany, India, Africa, Australia and New Zealand).

The nests are then used as warm and comfy places for displaced or injured wildlife to grow and heal. The result, as you can see, is pure adorableness.

I love how this is such a wonderful example of using your talents to make a difference: not just on the part of the crafters, but also those who began this project and keep it organized.

You don’t have to donate a ton of money or get out on the ocean to protest seal clubbing or change your lifestyle to live in a tiny house or on Walden’s pond or whatever grand gestures. While it would be great if we could all do our part to protect animal habitats from human encroachment so that wildlife isn’t being displaced or injured in the first place, it’s also vital to help rehab those that need it. And let’s be honest: heart hugging photos like these go a long way to building public awareness and sympathy for the cause.

If you’re the crafty sort I’ll hope you consider donating a bit of time and handiwork. It’s important that the nests be made with tight stitches and high tension on the yarn, so that the resulting nest is rigid and stable so little toes and claws don’t get tangled or injured. You can find patterns for cave, hanging and regular nests here.

To register as a participant, get more general info, feel somewhat better about the human race and see tonsssss of cute baby wildlife photos of all kinds, hit up the Wildlife Rescue Nests page on Facebook.

If, like me, you are not so handy with yarn, you can still support the rescue nest effort by donating or purchasing a t-shirt, calendar or tote bag. All proceeds go towards a “yarn and shipping fund” to help defray costs for volunteers.

All photos are from the Wildlife Rescue Nests website.