Wellington Zoo has launched an urgent fundraising campaign to support the care of more than thirty birds injured during last week’s severe weather. The influx of patients has overwhelmed the zoo’s resources, with some birds currently receiving treatment in plastic tubs.
Impact on Wildlife
A number of albatrosses, petrels, and penguins were swept up at sea or blown ashore during the storm. According to the zoo’s lead vet, Shanna Rose, the primary medical challenge is organ system failure, often manifesting as digestive issues. “The main problem that we have to deal with after they’ve crashed landed are organ systems failures,” Rose said. “And we quite often see that their guts have stopped working. So a very complicated process to get them back on track.”
Despite the storm occurring more than a week ago, injured birds continue to arrive at the zoo. Rose noted that these later arrivals are often the most critically ill. “Since we’re getting further up from when the event happened, the birds that are starting to trickle in are now the ones that are really, really sick,” she said.
Financial Strain
Wellington Zoo, a not-for-profit organization, relies on visitor revenue and donations to fund its operations. Erin Reilly of Wellington Zoo explained that significant weather events place a considerable strain on the zoo’s resources and finances. “Big, big weather events don’t happen often and it is a real drain on our resourcing and our finances,” Reilly said. “Wellington Zoo is a not for profit, so we rely on people visiting and donations to help fund the work that we do here.”
The Northern Royal Albatross, one of the largest seabirds in the world, requires substantial effort to rehabilitate. Because albatrosses have long life expectancies and low reproductive rates, successfully returning them to health has a major impact on conservation efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of birds are being treated at Wellington Zoo?
Wellington Zoo is currently treating a number of albatrosses, petrels, and penguins that were injured in last week’s wild weather.
What is the biggest medical challenge facing the injured birds?
The main problem the zoo’s veterinary team is dealing with is organ systems failures, particularly issues with the birds’ digestive systems.
How is Wellington Zoo funding the increased costs of caring for these birds?
Wellington Zoo is a not-for-profit and relies on visitor revenue and donations. They have launched an urgent fundraising campaign to help cover the additional costs associated with the influx of injured birds.
As the zoo continues to care for these vulnerable animals, will public support be enough to meet the growing financial demands of this ongoing rescue effort?
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