Festive Fun at Stapeley is a huge success

There is no way of hiding from it anymore Christmas is nearly here!  Staff, volunteers and even Santa all got together for Stapeley's first Christmas fair.

                                  

 

Although there was a bit of a chill in the air it was hardly noticeable with all the excitement, we were really lucky with the weather.  It was a great turnout with many visitors coming in search for that perfect gift, trying their luck on raffles, telling Santa what they would like as well as being spoilt rotten for choices with cakes.

It was a fantastic success raising nearly £1500 which will provide much needed funds for us to continue our work and towards ongoing development.  

For more pics of the day (plus Santa) check out: http://on.fb.me/X3Bj64 

They may not be able to show their appreciation but I'm sure all the animals it will benefit will be very grateful.  

                                          Thank you everyone and happy Christmas

Supporters of Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre

A surprise visitor for Stapeley

It was a dark and cold night when a member of public turned up with an unknown animal the dog had sniffed out.  Cautiously peering into the box I saw two beady eyes looking back at me, to my surprise it was a Chinchilla!  

Stapeley Grange does not take in domestics usually but it appeared that he had been abandoned.  He therefore needed temporary refuge until he could be moved on to one of our domestic centres.  I took down as much information as possible in case an owner came forward to claim him and then gave him a quick inspection.  There appeared to be a problem with his teeth so he was put down for an urgent vet inspection the next  day.  

Once we had found and set up a suitable cage that had shelves, tunnels and places to hide I put in some food and water, it was ready.   He appeared to instantly love his new pad and investigated around.  We also provided a dust bath which is important to keep his fur in good condition. 

Unfortunately, this story did not have a happy ending.  During the vet inspection it was discovered that he had some major dental issues, so bad in fact that he was put to sleep.

Owners of exotic pets need the knowledge to provide for their specific welfare needs.  Chinchillas don’t like excessive heat (as they can’t sweat and overheat easily), need lots of exercise and their teeth need to be worn down as excessive growth can prevent them from eating.  Why was this Chinchilla abandoned? Maybe its owner could not afford the massive vet fees that were involved in sorting out its teeth, I suppose I’ll never know, a very sad ending indeed. 

Supporters of Stapeley Grange 

Grey Seal Arrival - cute but watch those fingers

Although very sad, I was excited to admit a 3 week old male Grey seal pup last week; he had been found orphaned on a beach at Maryport in Cumbria. To ensure the parents were not around he had been monitored for more than 24 hours; his parents were nowhere to be seen so required help.

                                                   

On arrival, I took down all the necessary details with Max, including weight and transferred him across to one of our isolation cubicles where he could begin to settle after his traumatic ordeal.  Despite weighing in at 13kg he was still underweight for his age.  Next was a health check from the vet which involved checking for wounds and any nasal discharge.  Blood samples were taken and sent off for analysis.  His eyes appeared dry and so eye drops were given to restore their moisture and protection.  As with most wildlife that comes into Stapeley, he was dehydrated.  Lectade solution was tube fed initially - it was important we rehydrated him as quickly as possible.

He now gets blended herring added to the solution to make an appetising fish soup - I think I'll pass on that one!  His temperature is recorded daily at the moment - an important indicator to his well-being. 

As of yesterday he was bright and alert, but I am constantly being reminded by senior staff that behind those cute little eyes and apparent sweet nature lies an extremely nasty bite. All of this has been a wee taster for what is to come when I have my seal training in December across at RSPCA East Winch, I can’t wait :)

Supporters of Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre

A Mucky Lesson

From being a teacher it was time to go back to being a student for an Oiled Bird Course last week that was run by the Society.  With pen and notepad ready I was keen to learn more
about the rescue and treatment of unfortunate birds that become contaminated.

We started off with the components of oil which make it so devastating to the environment and wildlife, it is really nasty stuff.  Next was the theory of practically collecting the oiled birds and how important good planning and communication is for a successful operation successful.  It was interesting to hear about the plans the RSPCA have in place in case of an oil spill.  Rescue has many difficulties and is rarely simple, from birds being in hard to reach places to them trying to get away from you (do they not realise you are trying to help them!). 

We were made aware of the importance of health and safety so that we ourselves did not become a casualty; dangers ranged from falling rocks to being trapped by the tide, scary stuff.

 
Then onto crucial first aid treatments, such as fluid therapy to rehydrate the birds and providing care when they come into the hospital.  It is extremely important that any bird’s feathers are completely free of the oil - so we covered how to thoroughly wash them so they retain their waterproofing.  The course finished on rehabilitation methods for the birds once they have fully recovered and their final release. 

I enjoyed being a student again and now feel better prepared to deal with any cases that arrive at Stapeley.  

Sponsors of Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre 

Education Opening - VIP Tours

Leading tours at the official opening last month gave me the opportunity to show off our fantastic educational facility.   It is thanks to funding from CJ Wildlife and Wild Aid and much hard work from staff and volunteers that the new facility was made possible.  I had time out from the feeding and cleaning to help out on our big day and to welcome guests as they arrived…even Gavin Grant (our CEO) made it up from Horsham which was appreciated by staff.

Our tour behind the scenes started in the woodland classroom where we have new CCTV installed, which links into the hospital.  We then moved out to the garden and I pointed out our new funky information boards and our newly revamped pond.  I then spent time talking to visitors about the orphan care room where we look after 100’s of orphaned animals each year.  We got to test out the intercom system which linked visitors to staff inside the hospital which was very cool and then moved on past the oiled bird washroom where staff usually get soaked as much as the birds they are washing.

                        

Next we quietly peered through wooden slats at the pool viewing areas - they had no idea they were being spied on!  And then into the forested area to see how groups will be surrounded by the environment they will learn about.

I wish this had been one of my school trips!  Its proof education can be fun and I was the teacher!

Supporters of Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre

Duck in Distress

The Stapeley team are constantly monitoring our patients for any problems, regardless of the stage of rehabilitation.  Whilst working outside I was notified that one of our Mallard ducks was limping.

It was not long before I could pick out the lame individual. Armed with a net and an assistant, ‘Operation Catch the Duck’ was up and running; it began by the two of us slowly herding them into a corner whilst, minimising stress but trying to remain focused on the specific duck.   At the precise moment I swiftly brought the net down over the duck and caught it, it sounds much easier than it actually was but job done! 

Inside the hospital the leg was properly examined, it was easy to see that the right one was swollen at the joint.  The vet then put on the floor so that she could see how lame it was.  It was decided to anaesthetise the duck so x-rays could be taken.  It showed changes to the tibiotarsus leg bone – the problem was, as thought, at the joint. 

The duck was taken into isolation and put on a course of pain killing medication.  With some rest and pampering hopefully it will be back outside soon….will keep you posted.

Supporters of Stapeley Grange Wildlife Hospital