Frequently we are delivered a variety of wildlife, mainly birds, but often rodents or to the extreme seals! No one actually owns them, but well meaning people bring them to us wanting us to help in their treatment and rehabilitation. Often they are injured, hit by cars on the road, or just sick.
The Vet Centre decided some years ago to accept donations from a simple collection box in the front shop. This was to cover mainly drug costs and occasionally X-Rays and anaesthetics. The vets and nurses would provide their time free. It has worked well for a number of years now with a great number of birds and animals returned to their natural environment assisted by some experienced clients who have a passion for the rehabilitation of these ‘wildlife’ creatures.
We are not always successful, and decisions are made on welfare grounds based on the likelihood of survival back in their respective environments. This is the sad part, but to balance this are a whole list of success stories.
The establishment of the Wildlife Fund has provided a balance between the expectations and demands of a commercial business, and that which vets and nurses are passionate about – helping sick and debilitated animals, no matter what their type or ownership. We all find it very rewarding and an integral part of our practice.
We always need donations to help out, so if you would like to consider this, please contact us.
“Hi, I’m called Goosey and I now live at Andrew and Jacqui’s place with their 21 ducks, 2 pigs and a whole lot of deer. I like the ducks best as they come and sit with me, but when it comes to feeding they are a bit quick, so I now am fed separately.
I used to be a wild goose and I would fly into this horse paddock around their feeding time. One day, I got in the way and ended up getting kicked. The kind people picked me up and took me to The Vet Centre. I was Xrayed and they found I had a broken leg.
Things did not look too good for me! I am only a goose and I don’t really belong to anyone. SO .. was anyone going to fix me? Fortunately, The Vet Centre in Richmond has this Wild Life Fund which is gratefully donated into by their great clients.
The end result is I have a metal plate in my leg. I still hobble a bit, and I only fly very short distances now, but life is pretty good. I am safe, fed twice aday and have nice straw bedding to keep warm on in the winter.”
