Why is WIRES driving away experienced Carers?

Wild Truths: Liz’s Story

Overview

Liz, a long-time WIRES carer and branch committee member, shares her personal experience of the organisation’s decline. After a decade of service, she describes how WIRES shifted from a supportive, volunteer-led group into a system marked by secrecy, intimidation, and poor governance. Despite her deep commitment to wildlife, Liz resigned when the board refused to support carers — and instead pursued legal action and attempted to force through a new constitution. Her story is a call to return WIRES to its roots: empowering volunteers and prioritising animal welfare.

Key Insights

Issues & Risks

• Deepening divide between volunteers and board/management

• Lack of support and respect for carers and rescuers

• Liz witnessed the erosion of mentorship and volunteer networks

• Use of NDAs and legal action to silence dissent

• Isolation of new volunteers (including 101 rescuers)

• Constitutional reform attempts that marginalise wildlife carers

• Poor communication and lack of transparency from leadership

• Board’s increasing focus on conflict resolution rather than animal care

• Liz experienced first-hand the emotional toll of serving while unsupported

Governance & Legal Concerns

• Liz resigned after the board refused to let her remain a member without accepting the proposed constitution

• Repeated attempts to pass a new constitution without consultation

• Ongoing legal threats towards individual carers

• Non-disclosure agreements used to suppress internal dissent

• Liz felt forced out despite a decade of service and strong team support

 Takeaways

• Liz saw the culture shift: A once collaborative, nurturing organisation became isolating and hostile.

• Mentorship collapsed: Liz says new volunteers are now left to navigate WIRES alone.

• The constitution was a turning point: Liz could not support a document that removed the focus from wildlife care.

• Legal intimidation is silencing carers: Liz resigned in part because of how the organisation treats its own.

• She still believes in the mission: Liz hopes WIRES can return to a volunteer-first organisation that truly values its people.

 Next Steps

• Vote in the upcoming SGMs: Members have the power to return WIRES to its values.

• Support each other: Liz urges carers to reconnect across branches and rebuild the network WIRES was known for.

• Ask yourself hard questions: Do you feel safe, respected, and supported?

• Demand better governance: Like Liz, members can stand up for integrity — and for the animals who need them.

 Listen to Liz’s story.
Share it with someone who cares.
Your voice — and your vote — matter.