Five Minutes With Emma Baker
Meet Emma Baker, an RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer, who passionately rescues wildlife in difficult situations, working closely with agencies like fire and rescue, police, and social services.
Tell us a little bit about your job – how would you describe it to a five-year-old?
The clue may be in the name, but the job is very layered. We come out and help wildlife when they are in very tricky situations when it’s not safe enough for members of the public to try to help them, and we work very closely with other agencies such as fire and rescue, police and social services. Together we try to make the world a better place for animals to live in.
What motivates you to get up for work?
Although some of my jobs or actions might not feel like they make a big difference, for the animals I'm helping they change their whole life for the better. To me that is the biggest motivation I could have!
Can you tell us about your most memorable rescue?
When bird flu was rife, I was sent to a job on the marshes about a Canada goose and a swan – both collapsed. I feared the worst. After a full assessment, we found they were in fact entangled by fishing litter about 10 metres apart! I was able to cut them free and assess the birds, who were released in situ with a few minor cuts. It was a situation that could have been easily avoided if people took their litter home with them.
How can members of the public help wildlife?
Humans have encroached on so much of our wildlife’s natural habitat, making it harder for them to find natural resources such as water. By leaving fresh water out daily you could quite literally be saving a life. Leaving holes in otherwise enclosed gardens allows nature to create their own network around our world. Planting native plants helps our pollinators. The list goes on!
Join Walk on the Wild side
Ready for a new challenge?
This September, take the RSPCA’s Walk on the Wild Side, enjoy time out in nature and raise money to make the world a better place for animals. Sign up to receive your free 200th anniversary pin badge, and to get access to our new podcast series about UK wildlife. Our wildlife is wonderful–and it’s up to us to keep it that way.