CARING for wildlife is Sylvia Whiting’s passion.

It is all she has ever wanted to do.

After almost 30 years as a volunteer wildlife carer, Sylvia, of Yandina, has helped rehabilitate more than 2000 injured and orphaned animals.

She is also a founding member of the Sunshine Coast Wildlife Volunteers Association (WILVOS) and is now the organisation’s chairwoman and membership secretary.

For her tireless work, Sylvia has been named in the Queen’s Birthday 2011 honours list – the country’s highest level of recognition for outstanding achievement and service.

She will be awarded an Order of Australia medal for her remarkable contribution to animal conservation.

A humble Sylvia said she was surprised by the news despite being the recipient of a prestigious Pride of Australia medal last year.

“It’s a bit crazy and a little embarrassing to keep receiving these awards,” the 62-year-old said.

“It’s also amazing as I never set out to receive any type of public recognition.

“I love caring for wildlife. Each animal has its own little personality, and if an OAM helps emphasise the work WILVOS does each and every day, then that’s a great outcome.”

She said WILVOS was designed to teach people how to care for injured wildlife and now boasts a roster of more than 300 members, including 110 carers and 45 volunteers who staff the organisation’s hotline which receives up to 10,000 calls for help a year.

As well as being a hands-on carer, picking up injured animals and taking up to 30 creatures at one time into her own home, Sylvia helps others to follow their passion to be wildlife carers.

“We have a wonderful team of volunteers who are all so willing and give their time voluntarily,” she said.

“I’m really proud of them. They work so hard and really well together. Without them WILVOS wouldn’t exist.”