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

My dream job - Michelle Bite

My name is Michelle and I joined the Stapeley team as as Wildlife Assistant four months ago...I am totally in my dream job!! 

I always knew I wanted to work with animals and as soon as I was old enough I was volunteering at my local veterinary surgery and zoo.....to gain as much experience as possible and ultimately to identify my preferences. 

This led me to an Animal Science degree during which I worked with wildlife in South Africa as a volunteer.  It as during this time that my mind was made up....I had decided to devote my life to working with animals, my goal was ultimately to work with wildlife. 

My first animal job was at Battersea dogs and Cats Home, during which I volunteered on several wildlife conservation projects worldwide. To progress I took the opportunity to work as a Seasonal Wildlife Assistant at Stapeley which enabled me to gain essential knowledge and experience to prepare me for a permanent position role.  All my hard work and  determination had finally paid off when I was offered a permanent job, I had finally made it!

                                    

I am so looking forward to taking up this blog over the coming months and years; with more excitement going on than any TV soap or X Factor programme I could not possibly keep it all to myself !!

Sponsors of Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre

Goodbye for Now!

The arrival of autumn sees the end of my fun filled, exciting, interesting, busy and educational summer! The changing of the seasons sees the change of pace here at Stapeley. A calmer atmosphere reigns and the arrival of patients lessens.

There are, and will be, still many animals throughout winter which arrive at the hospital for much needed care and attention. Yet in comparison to the spring/summer period, things are noticeably quieter.

I am sad that my placement has come to an end, as personally, I can think of no other job which offers such a broad spectrum of activity and a sense of achievement when animals are successfully rehabilitated and released..our latest releases include 4 fox groups.

                       

 

I shall continue to volunteer, although as my placement ends, so too does my blog. I have loved the opportunity of sharing my experiences with you and hope that you have enjoyed a glimpse into the daily goings on at Stapeley.

Thank-you CJ Wildlife for such a fantastic opportunity, and thank-you Stapeley for such a memorable time!

Sponsors of Stapeley Grange's Summer Wildlife Assistant Position

Frogs Legs

Whilst it is primarily mammals and birds that we care for at Stapeley, we do get the occasional amphibian. Last week we had a garden frog. It had been attacked by a cat and had a wound on its froggy leg.

Frogs are jumpy, and for that reason alone they make me a little jumpy! I certainly wasn’t as keen as I usually am to tend to this patient. We created a moist environment for it by placing a clod of grassy earth into a container, and I fetched fresh water daily from our pond to make it feel more at home.

The frog was put on a course of liquid antibiotics, which was fed orally through a syringe and tube. Despite the small size of the frog, this was a two man job! One to hold the little beastie, and one to administer the drugs.

The frog was later released.  I was pleased it had survived and even more pleased to get back to the mammals! (sorry amphibs, but I prefer to admire you from afar!).

Sponsors of Stapeley Grange's Wildlife Assistant

Hercules the hedgehog!!

I have reported a few times about hedgehogs within my blogs. Whilst I try to vary what I write about, today it comes back to another hedgehog, purely because I am both astonished and proud of this little critter!

This little beast arrived at Stapeley in a terrible state. We were not sure whether it would be kinder to put it to sleep immediately or to clean it up and give it 24 hours. We chose the latter option (thankfully), but I was sure it would not make it through the night.  Suffering with many puncture wounds (some particularly deep), its little body was crawling with maggots. Myself and the vet nurse spent a good half hour removing these nasty maggots, some having buried quite deep already into the wounds.

We administered fluids (it was dehydrated), antibiotics (for the wounds), F10 spray (to kill any remaining fly eggs) and syringe fed nutritional shake (it was starving)...

 Over the last three weeks, this initial casualty has gone from strength to strength, and it is a joy to have seen such a remarkable recovery! Wounds have healed, weight has been gained and not a maggot in sight...a Herculean effort from such a little hog! I am proud to have been part of its recovery and am so glad we gave it a chance. I took a sneaky picture of it just as it was waking up and beginning to uncurl...

Sponsor of Stapeley Grange's Summer Wildlife Assistant Position