The warmer weather has added to increased animal arrivals at the Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital at Wollongbar.
It’s that time of year when animal births and movements are plentiful and full of risks that pose significant challenges for all species. Recently, there were 97 admissions over 21 days. It takes an organised chain of command to enter each arrival through the procedures prior to its transfer from triage to treatment that can include X-rays, ultrasound, and pathology.
‘The collection of data for all animals who arrive at the hospital offers necessary and useful information. Recording threatened species data is critical. Throughout all of this activity, the hospital manages to maintain a state of quiet calm’ explained Madeleine Faught, Chair of the Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital.
Future building
The construction of outdoor enclosures is underway where treated animals are able to regain a sense of being back in natural habitats, adding to their ease and full recovery. A ‘small bird’ flight tunnel is being constructed along the front of the veranda and a much longer outdoor flight tunnel is also under construction for larger birds. These additions allow treated birds to build their wing strength and practise flight capability within a safe and monitored setting.
Ongoing training and reviews of procedures will strengthen staff skills and knowledge. Some staff members have been requested to speak at conferences to share the hospital’s growing insight into native animal treatment. A developing collaboration focuses on training university students who are studying to become wildlife vets or nurses in the future – ‘a positive contribution to the future for our native wildlife’ said Madeleine.
For more info visit https://nrwh.com.au/
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