Salmonier Nature Park Wildlife Rehabilitation Update - 2003
Birds
During the calendar year 2003, Salmonier received 31 incoming birds, the majority of which were raptors. Of this number, 13 birds ( or 42%) were successfully rehabilitated and released. An additional thirteen birds (42%) were either dead on arrival, died in care or were euthanized due to the severity of injuries. Five birds (16%) were rehabilitated but were deemed non-releasable due to permanent injury. Three of these were donated to other facilities and the remaining two were retained for Nature Park display
Mammals
Ten mammals were received during 2003. This included seven orphans, two road-injured animals and one problem animal. Of this
number there were four releases and two other animals were maintained for Nature Park display. Three animals died in care and one other was euthanized due to the severity of injuries.Other Arrivals
Two reptiles were also received in 2003. One of these, a Green Anole, accidentally arrived to Newfoundland in a potted plant received by a major department store. This diminutive southern
USA species is notoriously difficult to maintain in captivity and did not survive. There was considerable excitement generated by our other reptile. This was an Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, a rare venomous snake that had been collected in the wild as a juvenile and had been smuggled into Newfoundland to be kept as a pet. The animal was confiscated by provincial Conservation Officers with the assistance of federal Conservation Officers who were trained handlers of venomous snakes. The animal was subsequently donated to the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake recovery project, based out of Toronto Zoo.
Other News
The Rehab Network is virtually dormant at this time, and the only authorized participants are a handful of public and private practice veterinarians throughout the Province. However, a number of facilities regularly contact us to forward injured animals or to garner advice. Notable interest comes from staff of the St. John’s Veterinary Hospital, the staff of Sunrise Animal Hospital, and Bonnie Harris and staff of the Gander SPCA. We wish to thank all involved for their efforts in assisting injured wild animals.
Over the past several years, we have received several expressions of interest from persons wishing to perform wildlife rehabilitation in the province. Some of these proposals suggested that the individuals involved were considering such an activity purely from a self-employment for profit motive. Wildlife rehabilitation involves long hours, with significant personal commitment. To help impress prospective rehabilitators with a thorough understanding of what is involved, we have developed a set of Minimum Wildlife Rehabilitation Standards, which we hope to have implemented in the near future. In the meantime, it is highly recommended that anyone considering a career in this very demanding profession visit the websites of the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council and the National Wildlife Rehabilitators’Association for a detailed appreciation of what is involved.