Rescue and Rehabilitation of Injured Wildlife
The JSPCA Animals’ Shelter is always available to assist in the rescue, care and rehabilitation of all Jersey’s injured wildlife.
Caring for wildlife:
On presentation of wildlife to the JSPCA Animals' Shelter, the wild animal or bird is given immediate first aid, as appropriate, and stabilized. Critical factors to remember when assessing a wild animal or bird are to minimise handling, minimise disturbance, and hence minimise stress.
Pipistrelle bat Juvenile Gannet
Many wildlife casualties have often been 'disabled' (ie ill or injured) for a while before they are found and brought into the Animals' Shelter. During this time, they may have been unable to take in food or water. Stabilization with the administration of fluids, energy and heat is important, in addition to appropriate immediate first aid.
Two of the more unusual visitors to the Island of Jersey that have been seen and treated at the Animals' Shelter:
Grey Phalarope Little Auk
Hand rearing:
Annually many baby/juvenile wild animals and birds are brought to the Shelter that require specialist nursing and care. It is important to be able to recognise dependant juvenile wildlife casualties - essential for the correct assessment of their feeding and nursing requirements:
Oiled Bird Unit:
The JSPCA Animals' Shelter has a specialist unit for washing and rehabilitating oiled birds. Oiled seabirds such as Guillemots, gannets, shags and cormorants often find themselves in need of assistance:
Rehabilitation facilities:
Suitable facilities for the treatment and aftercare are essential for the successful treatment and rehabilitation of wild animals and birds:
Aim:
The ultimate goal of treating and rehabilitating wildlife casualties is:
its successful return to the wild
key to success - to enable them to return to the wild physically fit and able to relate normally to their own kind and to other species.
Grass Snake