IFAW's Animal Rescue Blog

IFAW China: White-tailed Sea Eagle Rescue and Release

This report came in this week from the International Fund for Animal Welfare's Beijing Raptor Rehab Center in China.

On January 12, 2009, a white-tailed sea eagle, an endangered species listed under first-class protection in China, recovered from poisoning and was returned to the wild today by the IFAW Beijing Raptor Rescue Center (BRRC).

Mr Yi together with four bird-watcher friends, found this eagle near Guan Ting reservoir in Yan Qing, 70 km northwest of Beijing in Hebei Province.“It was off balance and could not fly. We thought the bird had been injured and hurried to help it by taking it to the raptor rescue center, Mr. Yi said.” Then we saw another White-tailed Sea Eagle not far away from this one, sadly at its last gasp.” The second White-tailed Sea Eagle died on the way to BRRC.

At the BRRC, rehabilitators quickly diagnosed the condition as organophosphate (insecticide) poisoning and treated the eagle accordingly. The bird responded well to medication and recovered well over the following few days. He is strong and well but unhappy over being in captivity. BRRC rehabilitators assign importance to minimizing stress to the animals in their care. Stress severely compromises animal welfare and an animal’s ability to heal. As soon as the eagle is considered safely out of danger from the poisoning incident, he will be released. In the meantime, all precautions are taken to optimize the comfort and sense of security of the bird.

This eagle and the companion who died were victims of secondary poisoning. Rural people are known to spread poisoned food as a means of poaching wild animals. The animals are then sold on the market as food. Several dead ducks were found on the lake where the two eagles were rescued. The eagle that survived had vomited duck feathers, and had most probably ingested a poisoned duck. Secondary poisoning of this sort is a common cause of death in wildlife, including many endangered species.

Mr. Yi observed that the number of wild birds in the area around the Guan Ting reservoir is reduced this winter compared with previous years. After rescuing the eagles, he called the police to report the suspected poisonings.

“It is common for local people to capture pheasants and hares, and we will punish suspects who hunt rare animals,” said an officer at the local police station.

In Beijing, White-tailed Sea Eagles are rare winter migratory birds, inhabiting areas near broad rivers. They hunt primarily fish, but will also capture birds and small mammals. They are found across northern Europe and Asia. Following 16 years on the list of threatened species on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), European recovery efforts for the species enabled the international conservation status of the species to be more secure since 2009.

Raptors are carnivorous birds that are high on the food chain. As such, they are susceptible to toxins that their prey ingest. The BRRC has received and treated around 3,000 raptors since its establishment in 2001. Of the rescued birds, approximately 5% were victims of secondary poisoning. The poisons are usually insecticides and rodenticides. BRRC advises the improvement of government regulations on the use of these chemicals to minimize the damage to wildlife, domestic animals and humans.

For more information on IFAW's work helping animals in crisis around the world, please visit www.ifaw.org

IFAW Staffer Helps in an Unexpected Sea Turtle Rescue

When IFAW Russia's Lena Averianova left for vacation to Thailand, we never thought she would soon be reporting back with an animal rescue! It seems you can leave the job but the job never leaves you. Below is her experience with a one-armed endangered sea turtle that was rescued off a beach in the Island of Phuket.

I recently spent my vacation on Thailand's Phuket Island. As I was enjoying a walk along the Katong beach, I suddenly realized that people were all running to a spot a few meters from where I was. Realizing that something unexpected was happening, I decided to go and have a look. Much to my surprise, I found a big sea turtle there, surrounded by lifeguards that were busy digging out a pool for the turtle to rest in and water-down. It soon became evident that the turtle had been inadvertently pushed out of the ocean by the very big waves that were spread out on the entire coast. The turtle had been visibly struggling to get back but had a hard time because it only had one flipper. How and when the turtle lost its flipper remains a mystery to me but it seemed that she had been able to survive like that for quite a long time.

A lot of tourists surrounded the turtle but no one really understood how careful you have to be around these animals and they soon started taking out their cameras and approached to touch her. I immediately told everyone to step back and that we would need to help her in this time of need, not place extra stress on the animal. I contacted the rescue team and waited there, watering the turtle and feeling nervous for her during 10 minutes while help arrived to where we were. They were soon able to examine the turtle and we placed her in a special basin for transportation. I didn't leave her side until the car left, headed for a suitable holding location where she will be rehabilitated and then hopefully go back to her ocean home.

I've worked in IFAW's Russian office for nearly 8 years now and during that time I've helped many different animals. I was so happily surprised that even when far from my office and country I was again needed to help an animal in distress. I again understood that I'm really doing the work I'm supposed to do. It was also heartwarming to meet people that dedicate their lives to rescuing animals and know that I will find them all over the world.

For more information on the International Fund for Animal Welfare's work around the world, please visit http://www.ifaw.org

IFAW Rescuer Shares Experiences from Philippines Typhoon Efforts

International Fund for Animal Welfare Emergency Relief Responder Sarah Sharp filed this story at the end of animal rescue operations in the Philippines.

My colleague Jackson and I arrived in the Philippines on October 8th as the second wave of disaster responders. With the response in full-swing, we hit the ground running. In the lake-side village of Sukol the need for help was so great that our team had run out of both human and animal relief supplies on the previous day, so we returned to this area to reach all those in need. Our first rescue of the day was a kitten stuck on a hot metal roof, emaciated and dehydrated from the flooding ordeal. My colleague gave me a boost to get out of the murky flood water and onto the roof to feed her. Although skittish at first, she was so hungry that she could not resist the smell of food wafting up to her. When she came out of hiding, we realized just how thin she was, and that without a caretaker present, there was no way this little one would make it. Fortunately, we were able to capture her and get her safely into a crate, where she happily ate the rest of her food while awaiting her trip to the shelter.

Our most successful day that week was also one of the hottest. Dressed in full dry suits and riding in long narrow boats referred to as “bangkas” we split up into three teams and collectively fed 138 cats and 392 dogs, treated 12 cats and 24 dogs, and rescued two abandoned emaciated dogs. The furry faces of each and every animal we saw and helped are forever seared on my mind. At the end of this exciting and exhausting day, we returned to a remote location near the lake where Dick Green, our response manager, thought he had heard barking. Although the boat operator was not thrilled with bringing the small bangka into such deep open water, Dick insisted that the team investigate. Sure enough, we discovered a mother and puppy stuck on the roof of an abandoned shack that was sitting just barely above the water. The two were lethargic and their ribs protruded prominently under their skin. Dick swam from the bangka over to the roof, where he carefully climbed up. The roof was not very strong, and kept buckling under him, but he was able to rescue both of the dogs – first the puppy and then her mother. As we carried the dogs back in our arms, I knew without a doubt, that neither of these dogs would have made it if it were not for Dick’s careful ear and caring heart.

Crocodile safari hunting proposed in Northern Territory, Australia

Every few years the spectre of ‘big game hunters’ shooting at crocodiles in the Northern Territory of Australia, rears its ugly head. Once again the Northern Territory Government is trying to reopen crocodile safari hunting under its proposed new management plan. 

Under the plan 25 Saltwater Crocodiles of at least 3.5 metres in length would be allowed to be killed by tourists, prepared to pay thousands of dollars to ‘bag a crocodile’.  If this plan succeeds it will be the first time since 1971 that people will be allowed game-hunt Saltwater Crocodiles, when they were hunted to near extinction.

Why go backwards when it comes to the protection of native wildlife? This proposal is for 25 crocs a year to start with but the intention is to increase this number. This hunting proposal isn’t intended to control nuisance crocs, it’s purely for commercial profit and entertainment. There is nothing to stop inexperienced shooters with enough money, taking a shot at a croc and it will be almost impossible to make sure all crocs are killed humanely...If we open the doors to this type of tourism, what native animal will be next?

IFAW BRRC: Diary of raising an eaglet: the miracle of care

Diary of raising an eaglet: the miracle of care
By Li Ying (Linda), BRRC March 2009

An orphaned baby eaglet arrived at the International Fund for Animal Welfare Beijing Raptor Rehabilitation Center (BRRC) on a bright June day, helpless, starved and very much alone. A kind person had found the little creature in a Beijing suburb that morning and had rushed him to BRRC. The eaglet was only two weeks old, a fluff of soft feathers and a voice twice the size of his body when he was hungry. He ate voraciously and didn’t waste time with a picky appetite. If a caretaker was too slow feeding him, he would peck the forceps as a stern reminder that there was a hungry little eaglet down here and won’t you keep up with his gullet, please!

Caring for an orphaned bird so that it grows up fit for survival in the wild requires great skill and care. Baby birds easily become imprinted on their food provider: that is how they evolved to recognize a parent who would care for them. When a human feeds them, they quickly become imprinted on the face and voice of the feeder. A human-imprinted bird will not do well in the wild, as it identifies more with humans than with its own species.

Australia's bushfire update - latest news

The latest news from Tania Duratovic who has just returned from nearly three weeks on the ground in Whittlesea.

Friday 6 March
(Photograph ©IFAW/T.Duratovic)

I am now back in Sydney – after a few days rest – but the situation down in Victoria is still not over – there are still a number of fires raging in the State and the IFAW team is on stand-by to re-deploy if we are needed.

Dr. Ralph returned for the final few days of our time in Victoria to help out. We travelled to Southern Ash Wildlife Centre run by wildlife carer Colleen Wood where the world famous ‘Sam the Koala’ is being cared for. We spent the whole day treating burns and changing bandages of the koalas Colleen has in her care. I have to admit I took a bit of a shine to Sam, who is actually a Samantha - she was so gentle and allowed us to treat her without batting an eyelid!

Incidentally, I spoke to Colleen last night and she now has 52 koalas at her place!!

We also travelled to another wildlife carer who was looking after the young wombat that was bought into us at Whittlesea which needed Dr. Ralph's expertise to treat an infected burn on it’s bottom - ouch.

Many of the carers who were based with us in Whittlesea had to return to their own homes at the end of last week – which were coming under threat with more bad weather reported.  But since returning home these carers are still receiving many calls and reports of injured wildlife which they continue to respond to – often having to travel great distances to get to the animals.

I’m too am receiving calls from carers with updates of the animals I helped to rescue and treat. Many are doing well and some have been released into safe areas. It is important to remember that these carers are now dealing with the long road to recovery and rehabilitation for these animals, which is some cases will take many months. continued......

Bushfire emergency in Australia - a message from Erica Martin

On behalf of everyone at IFAW I wish to express our deepest sympathies to those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods during the terrible bushfires in Victoria.

In tough times, Australians have a reputation for banding together and helping those less fortunate and this crisis is proving to be no exception with the outpouring of support for people affected by the fires. With the many thousands of animals injured or now at risk from starvation our deep gratitude goes to all the wildlife carers and rescuers who are putting their own needs second to those of the animals.

IFAW is already rushing urgently needed aid to wildlife volunteers who are helping to save as many animals as they can and we are working with local carers and authorities on how best to help during the coming days, weeks and months. Information from the field will be updated on this blog and the IFAW website.

Erica Martin
Director
IFAW Asia Pacific

Read the most recent update from the bushfires.

IFAW’s Jorge Basave reports on Fijian floods

Fiji is experiencing some of the worst flooding in its history.  IFAW has been monitoring the situation closely and is in close contact with local government and animal welfare agencies in an attempt to determine the extent of animal impact.  IFAW’s Asia Pacific Emergency Responder, Jorge Basave, has been deployed to the main island of Viti Levu in order to assess the situation and sends this report:

Sunday 18 January
I arrived in Fiji yesterday to see the devastation left by the flooding first hand.

IFAW has been requested by the Fiji SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Animals) to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts for animals caught up in this natural disaster. My first job is to determine  where the greatest animal needs are, what additional resources might be needed and how IFAW can  best help.

The most affected areas include the Western Division (Nadi area) and the Eastern Division along the delta of the Rewa River (northeast of Suva) of the main island – Viti Levu.  However, damage is also being reported on the second biggest island of Vanua Levu. The government has declared the Western division a state of emergency, with curfews in the towns of Ba, Nadi and Sigatoka. 9,500 people been evacuated from their homes into shelters and there is a major need for water and food.  Though waters are starting to recede, more rain is forecasted.

This afternoon I drove to the Delta of the Rewa River to witness the damage for myself. I saw many people clearing mud left from the flood water out from their homes, trying to rescue some of their ruined belongings and their furniture piled up in the street, ruined stock outside stores, flattened crops and many, many fallen trees. One thing that really stood out for me was the fighting spirit of the local people, as through the debris and devastation, I was greeted with smiles and waves.

Luckily the road connecting Nadi and Suva is open and in good shape, although the reports in local newspapers talk of washed away bridges and roads, loss of power, thousands of stranded tourists, and tens of millions of dollars of damage to crops.

I have already witnessed livestock and dogs scavenging amongst the broken villages, searching for food and shelter, so it’s vital that IFAW is here to help in the recovery and I will keep you posted as to how we will be assisting on the ground.

'Pick-Up-Plastic' Images From Around The World

As part of Animal Action Week this year 13 IFAW country offices are coordinating beach clean-up operations with a theme called 'Pick Up Plastic'.

'Pick Up Plastic' has allowed communities to participate in the clean-up effort globally. Animal Action Week is designed to raise awareness and this year IFAW's focus is on the terrible crisis within our oceans and the fight against careless pollution. The number one culprit being plastic, in all forms.

'Pick Up Plastic' events are underway in Australia, China, East Africa, France, Germany, India, Mexico, the Middle East, Netherlands, Russia, South Africa, the UK and USA. Cleaner and safer marine habitats are the leading result of this wonderful initiative, however IFAW is also asking that teams in every country collect data to illustrate just how serious the problem is. This data will be used to document the most polluted areas and can contribute to lobbying efforts for better protection of our ocean waters!

Additionally, IFAW asks everyone to consider the 'Plastic Bag Pledge' during Animal Action Week this year. Signing up is a simple commitment you can make that will have an enormous impact on our Earth.

Thanks to everyone who has helped IFAW make a difference so far!

Gibbon Relocation - A Moment of Pride for IFAW

The International Fund for Animal Welfare's Emergency Responder Tania Duratovic filed this detailed report yesterday on her experiences relocating 5 Sumatran Agile gibbons and 8 siamangs from Cikananga Animal Rescue Centre (PPSC) to Marak island off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia.

After a long & bumpy drive from Jakarta, we arrived at the confiscation centre where the animals were being housed. We were taken on a ‘tour’ of the grounds & facilities, which in many ways were quite impressive, though in other ways, quite depressing.

The centre was set up as a transit centre for confiscated wildlife. It was never intended to be a long term home for animals yet many animals had been there for years, some like the gibbons & siamangs, languishing in small, dirty cages. The funding which was needed by the centre to relocate these animals in the appropriate manner was withdrawn, and now, with these financial problems, the place had a look of neglect and almost abandonment about it. Had it not been for the recently disregarded banana skins around the cages, one could easily think that these forlorn animals were totally forgotten.

Recognizing the awful situation in which the animals were in, the current manager called the gibbon/siamang cages the “houses of horror” and indeed they were.  Fortunately, with the help of those few still involved in the centre, we were able to get them out of there. But this was not as simple as it sounds.

Firstly, one of the permits we had been waiting for months was not yet ready and secondly, the boxes to transport the animals in had not yet arrived. We really needed to get these animals out as soon as possible so we spent a lot of time on the phones trying to get things moving fast.

The next afternoon the boxes arrived – 2 single boxes, and 3 lots of 4 sections, looking very small and flimsy to me. When moving animals you don’t actually want the box too big as you don’t want the animal to move around and get hurt, or try to break out. You obviously don’t want them too small either. But then you try to ensure that they spend as little time as possible in the boxes. Not quite as we had planned…

Upon reinforcing the boxes with more timber, the task of catching the animals began. It was now about 4 o’clock in the afternoon. The first animal to be caught was a siamang. This was the one who to me looked like he was really affected by being in captivity. He had been at the centre since July 2006. He would always look past you with this empty gaze, and would spin around the cage. Very distressing. Luckily he was relatively easy to catch. But he did not like being in the box. He banged about continuously, almost for the entire journey.