Wildlife
Rehabilitation Update - 1998
(The Following is an
abbreviated version of a newsletter sent to those involved in Wildlife
Rehabilitation in the Province.)
The Year in Rehab!
1998 saw 94 injured, orphaned or problem animals received at Salmonier Nature Park. This number shows a slight increase over the 91 received over the previous year.
| Birds We received 80 birds, of which 22 succumbed to their injuries and an additional 15 were euthanised due to the severity of injuries. Thirty birds were rehabilitated and successfully released, and thirteen non-releasable birds were donated to other zoological parks. Among those birds released were 2 cattle egrets. |
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Reptiles and Amphibians
Incoming reptiles/amphibians consisted of one Maritime Garter Snake, which was found at Placentia and appears to be the victim of someone with an aversion to snakes, as it was destroyed prior to our arrival for pick-up. This is our second snake of this species from this area over the last decade or so.
| Mammals The remainder of our incoming animals were 13 mammals. These consisted of 12 "abandoned" or orphaned young animals of which four died, seven were released and one, a female moose calf, was successfully hand-raised and will be maintained for park display. The one incoming adult mammal, a muskrat found wandering the streets of St. John's, was released in a more suitable environment. |
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A Word About Orphans
We cannot stress enough the importance of non-intervention by people who encounter what may appear to be abandoned newborn wild animals. The young of many animals including moose, snowshoe hares, red squirrels, and many birds are often left unattended by their parents for extended periods. Never attempt to "rescue" any abandoned young animal unless you are certain that it is truly abandoned. Whenever in doubt, contact us, your local Conservation Officer or other knowledgeable individual.
The Rehab Network
Contacts with Rehab Network veterinarians this past year mostly involved consultation and in several cases, temporary care of injured animals until they were healthy enough for transfer to Salmonier.
| This past year, Rehabilitation Network was fortunate to witness the recruitment of several new participants. In March we welcomed the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Association, through their Wildlife Response Centre in Ship Cove, Placentia Bay. This group needs little introduction within the environmental circle of the province for their vigilance and outspokenness on behalf of oiled seabirds. Unfortunately, the oiled bird problem is a chronic one, and we anticipate that the Wildlife Response Centre will fill a great void in oiled seabird rehabilitation. |
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In April, Carolyn and Richard Michelin of Northwest River, Labrador, also joined the Rehab Network. The Michelins have long been recognized by Labrador Conservation Officers for their interest and participation in caring for injured wildlife. In the past, we have encountered limited success in the survival of injured animals (birds) shipped from Labrador. We are confident that the initial care now available through Carolyn and Richard will nurse many injured animals through the critical phase, when stress can impact on their survival. This will undoubtedly result in the increased survival rate of incoming injured wildlife from Labrador.
Goodbye and Thanks!
This past year saw the departure of one of our most enthusiastic and dedicated Rehab Network veterinarians. Dr. Helene Van Doninck has returned to her home province of Nova Scotia where she now practices. we will surely miss her good company, good humour and good advice.
Interested?
We are constantly striving to expand the Volunteer Rehabilitation Network throughout the Province. We welcome inquiries from concerned individuals with a genuine interest in volunteer wildlife rehabilitation.
